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THE 



UNION OF THE STATES, 



AND THE UNION 0! THE FAMILIES OF THE 



III am 11 ■! inii 



HOW THEY MAY BE 



r> R E S E K VE D 



BY MRS. J. P; T,>^ 



PORTLAND; 

PEINTED FOR THE PUBLISHER. 
1861. 






of Ooogi'®*® 



lOBter 



BytraPBferfrom 



Btato 

gS6V ^ ^** 



HOW TO PRESERVE 

THE UNION. 



4 » «» > 



My only apology for offering this little work, is my desire 
to serve God and humanity, and my own beloved native coun- 
try, and of my parents and grand-parents. Since it has 
pleased God in his providence to " remove lover and friend 
far from me, and my acquaintance into darkness," and I am 
no longer needed, to be " eyes to the blind, or feet to the 
lame, or mother to the motherless," I turn to the cause of 
suffering, whieh I know not; and search out an antidote for 
its woes, and invite the co-operation of all my readers. If 
any good results flow through such feeble instrumentality, to 
the King Eternal, immortal and invisible, the only wise God 
our Saviour, shall our praises be given forever and ever. 

In a work like the present, one of the first questions is in 
relation to the authorities cited. In this case we have prin- 
cipally used those of true patriots. Brutus' speech in vindi- 
cation of Caesar's murder, and the Inaugural address of 
General Jackson, and from the inspired Word of Jehovah- 
We are also indebted to the modern history of Europe for a 
few things, and to the oration of Pericles, which was spoken 
by him, at the public funeral of those Athenians who had 
been first killed in the Pelepennessiar War; and some things 
have been gathered from other sources. 

Our apology ht offering it to you at this time, Legislators ^ 



Countrymen and Philanthropists, is, our own patriotism which 
has been installed in us from our infancy, from our sainted 
sire, whose deep devotion to, and love for his native country, 
and the native country of his Father and Mother, her ances- 
tors being among those who came over in the May Flower.* 
The former of whom aided in the service of this country, in 
the war of 1812-14 ; the latter, of whom paid the services of a 
person in his own stead during the whole war of the Revolu- 
tion, to obtain our Independence from Great Britain, and who 
had his property on I and F streets destroyed in the general 
confligration of this city, immediately after he had removed 
his family and goods a few miles out, to Stroud water, f And 
often as we have listened to the story, as related by our sainted 
sire, of the first thing he ever recollected of his childhood, 
was his standing on a high rock where- he overlooked the 
burning of the town, and of many oilier thrilling scenes 
which we have no space here to relate ; our heart has burned 
within us to aid you in saving the Ship of State from going 
to distruction, as wo last year aided in saving the good Ship 
on her boisterous passage from Europe, when the good Captain 
was parelized, viz: by our fervant prayers to the Almighty, 
and by every effort in our power. By the reverence we cher- 
ish to the memory of an aged, sainted sire, whose love and 
pati'iotism of his country exceeded any other love ; ■ and, by 
the memory of the exalted virtues of a sainted brother, who 

* Two of her ancestors were among the number that landed on Plymouth 
Rock, from the May Flower. 

t The anniversary of the burning, or firing the Town by the British, whereby 
the building on the present site was destroyed, occurred the day preceding the ar- 
rival of the Prince of Wales for embarkation, and the first obeisance, on entering 
this City he made, was at that spot, in recognition to the waving of the handker- 
chief of the great grand-daughter of the then proprietor, who has long since passed 
away, although the house yet stands and is an heir-loom in the family of his de- 
scendants. 



laid his life upon the 'altar of his countiy, and went forth to 
battle in her strifes with the Mexicans, and with much credit 
to himself and honor to his country served them throughout 
the war ; and also went fortli to battle with the subtle savages 
among the wild swamps of the Withlicoochie. It was while 
surrounded by hardships and discouragements, which had the 
hardiest overworn, and there he won his commission of 
Captaincy, — being at the time the youngest Captain in the 
army — some of our readers will no doubt remember the ac- 
counts given in the newspapers at the time of that most trying 
and perilous march, from Fort Snelling through the wilder- 
ness with his command in the depth of winter, to obey orders 
to join the army of invasion on the breaking out of the war 
in Mexico, which, but for this foresight and prudence must 
have resulted in the destruction of his whole company. 
"We say for the reverence and memory of their patriotism and 
exalted virtues, we beseech you to hear us. And also by the 
memory we cherisli of a brother-in-law, and of the sufferings 
as narrated by him who is now deceased, in the war of 1812, 
as prisoner at Dartmoor when he was taken as a privateer, 
and subsequently his active service as a subordinate officer in 
the Mexican war. And by the deep affection we cherish for 
the memory of a sainted husband, who for more than thirty 
successive years (having the charge of a vessel at the early 
age of 19 years) traversed the ocean to foreign countries to 
bring to your doors the rich luxuries you now enjoy — regard- 
less of storm and tempest, and of sickly climates, and often 
exposed to imminent peril from the seas. Who can estimate 
the amount of good that flowed through his exertions, to my 
readers ! from his long, enterprising, energetic services, on 
going down to the sea, and doing business on the great waters ! 
in scattering of tracts and bibles, in the different islands of 
the seas ! and as Chaplain among his crew of so many differ- 



6 

cut natians ! in the knowledge which has been imparted to 
other minds, of navigation and of the science of the sea ! 

Friends — Countrymen, and Legisiators ! We beseech you 
to hear us — by the love we cherish for all their many virtues — 
and for the love we bear for each of their children who are 
scattered over the four quarters of this country — we beseech 
you to hear us. Stop and think before you fartlier go. 

AYill you SPORT UPON the brink of everlasting woe ? 

Who of my readers will say, that splendid China vase on 
their table can be broken into a dozen pieces, and can be 
mended to be as strong, and to look as beautiful, as before. 
Listen to the story. of the dying father, who called his sons 
around his bed-side and placing in the hands of the eldest son , 
a bundle of sticks carefully tied together, bade him break 
them. But the son, finding his efforts unsuccessful, he bade 
him pass it to his brother. And after a fair trial of the 
strength of each of the brothers, with equal failure, the father 
bade them cut the cord which united or bound the sticks to- 
gether, and with the greatest ease they were able to break up 
the parcel of sticks that they had found so difficult to break 
while bound together by the cord. The dying father entreated 
his children, never to let the tie of affection, which united 
them, to be cut. And thus do loe entreat legislators, country- 
men and friends, and all w^ho have the slightest interest in this 
blessed Union of the States, to exercise all their influence (be- 
fore it is too late) to keep the cord of affection tied closely till 
the latest generation. Woe ! be to the man that would cut 
the cord and admit the enemy into our midst to destroy us. 

What father would approve the course of a beautiful, ac- 
complished and highly educated son on leaving his paternal 
home to engage in business in a foreign country, who should 
unite himself for life to a sla^'C that had already had five hus- 
bands, and should toil late and early to maintain her and her 
children, and to pay up his notes given to purchase her free- 



dom. Regardless of his affiance with one his %qiial in his own 
country ? Who shall say, it is a pleasant picture, though it is 
a truth stranger than fiction ! Who can say that it was not a 
sentiment he had imhibed in his Northern home, in early life ? 

Who knoweth the trial the master of the South has with his 
slaves ? 

" Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfil the law of 
Christ." 

But, brethren of the North, go not too far off to labor. See 
ye that little intelligent girl in your own neighborhood, each 
morning, in this cold, northern climate, as she goes forth with 
her basket in hand to gather the fragments of some kind 
friend that has proffered them to her ? But hark ! what 
meaneth that cry of anguish and of lamentation ? Rachel, 
weeping for her children, and will not be comforted because 
they are not comforted. 

While at this season of the year the husband and fatlier can 
find but little employment, the wife and mother finds herself 
more successful in finding employment among her more 
wealthy neighbors, and goes forth early in the morning on her 
mission of labor. Scarcely does she enter thereon, before the 
physician pronounces the disease an infectious one, and the 
family with this mother, who had engaged her services for oyie 
day only., are borne off to the hospital where she is kept for a 
week from her famishing children. But God raises up a friend 
and sends to their relief. 

She is again restored to her family, and while on her way to 
labor for a neighbor, in ascending the stairs, she falls, and she 
is again borne homeward — shortly to be borne to her narrow 
home appointed for all that are now living. The story of her 
sufferings goes forth, and sympathizing neighbors send to lier 
necessities. But soon she passes away from earth, and leaves 
her little group of four motherless children. Now comes 
work, in our own northern city, for active benevolent hearts. 



8 

See that poor neighbor with three infant children of her own, 
take into her own family the four little motherless ones ; al- 
though there is no tie of kindred, or of nature, existing be- 
tween them, and but a short acquaintance, as neighbors. She 
finds her own means so limited, that she timidly goes forth to 
those who have sent to supply the necessities of the dying wo- 
man for assistance. Mark her results. That benevolent 
hearted lady to whom the case is made known, searches up a 
place for the nursling of two summers, with her own sister 
who has no children. See that strong affection that has 
sprung up in the hearts of her and her foster child. 

" The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil 
and the good." See, he opens the heart of that professional 
gentleman of eminence and wealth, from another state, to 
adopt and take home with him that eldest, intelligent little 
girl of the basket notoriety of eight summers ; and who can 
say that she may not, in God's providence hereafter, ascend to 
an eminence with the children of that pious lady who, when 
requested to give from the broken fragments of her boun- 
tifully supplied table to feed those famishing children, 
coldly replied, That there was only a sufficient left for her 
dogs ; and the suppliant turns away to her poorer neighbors 
who have heretofore supplied their necessities, and finds her 
basket again replenished. Oh ye of little faith, let me beseech 
you to increase that little, before your Master calls you to an 
account for your stewardship. Judge • not the Lord by feeble 
sense ; think not that by becoming life-members of benevolent 
societies, it will be as in life-assurance, a saving- to insure at 
once for all the years of your life, instead of each successive 
year. Because the Lord loveth a cheerful giver, and reward- 
eth him, also. 

Let me entreat you, benevolent reader, to confine jour la- 
bors here at the North, until we can set our own house in 
order, and drive out the oppressor from our own midst. Let 



9 

ns take the advice of that sainted Sire who, some twenty years 
since, when the petition to Congress for an act to abolish 
slavery in the District of Columbia, by a lady abolitionist was 
presented to his daughter for her signature, replied, that he 
was willing to be taxed with the Northern citizens to purchase 
their freedom ; but he should object to his daughter's petition- 
ing from the fact that we were meddling with an institution 
that was engrafted in our constitution, and consequently it 
would be meddling with the rights of the Southern portion of 
the Confederacy. Behold how good and how pleasant it is for 
brethren to dwell together in unity. " Be kindly affectioned 
one to another with brotherly love ; in honor, preferring one 
another." 

Hark ! from whence cometh that cry to the Almighty for 
deliverence from the Oppressor. Listen as you hear the sup- 
plication of that stricken widow, as she bows with her little ones 
in prayer, for blessing on her pursecutors, that the Lord will 
turn their hearts and open to her the door of deliverence — and 
will not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night 
unto him, though he deal long with them ; I tell you he will 
avenge them speedily — nevertheless when the Son of man 
cometh shall he find faith on the earth. See, the door is 
already opening. She rises from her attitude of prayer, and 
opens and reads to her astonishment and comfort, the promises 
of her heavenly Father, from 2d Cron. 20, 11 to 17 verses. 

The promises enter her soul, and behold tlie troubled waters 
of her soul become calm. The Lord enlightens her under- 
standing, and shows her the open door of deliverence. Bless 
the Lord Oh my soul and forget not all his benefits. Hear his 
injunction : this is the way, walk ye in it. Show the path of 
deliverence to the nation, viz : Let them as a nation, one and 
all, " perform unto the Lord their vows," and the Union of 
the States is saved. 

That the Personal Liberty Law conflicts with their Oath^ 



10 

and therefore it should be taken from the Statute Books, and 
not a trace of it left to disgrace their faith in God, who has said 
that " He swear by Himself because He could swear by no 
greater." The personal liberty laws are void, inasmuch as 
they conflict with the Constitution, which was founded on 
the oaths and compromises of our Fathers, and thus became 
the Law of our fair heritage. 

It is a maxim, or truth, in law, that all contracts for the 
performance of unlawful acts are void, and that when one 
party refuses to fulfil an executory contract, the other is enti- 
tled to an equivalent in damages for the direct gains which he 
would have realized from the perfomance of the same. 

Any child often years can understand by reading the above 
sentence, that the North would be holden to pay an equivalent 
for the Slave that they withhold from the South, or else they 
would annul the contract. The oath of allegiance to the 
Constitution, which binds the States together into Union, and 
thereby draw upon themselves the punishment of imprison- 
ment for violating their oath. What King going to war, sit- 
teth not down first and counteth the cost ! Let us estimate 
the cost of a civil war. A war among the brethren of the 
same family, A war for what ? Can't tell exactly, say you ? 
Don't brethren, partake so much of the nature of your own 
little son, who wages war with his sister, because perchance, 
he thinks her share from the paternal loaf is larger than his 
own, when with a strong microscope you could not discover 
the difference, and continue to wage the war until the parent 
comes forth, and gives to each a severe whipping. 

Better take the suggestion of that sainted sire, who was 
willing to be taxed with his fellow citizens of the North, to 
purchase the freedom of the Slaves. That will cost less than 
prosecuting a war, besides the blessing that attends a noble 
action, and save imbruing your hands in your brother's blood; 



11 

and the Lords inquiring at your liand, where is thy brother ? 
for his blood calleth to me from the ground. 

Let us read Brutus's Speech in vindication of Caesar's 
murder, 

Romans, countrymen, and lovers I — Hear me for my cause ; 
and be silent, that you may hear. Believe me for mine honor; 
and have respect for mine honor, that you may believe. Cen- 
sure me in your wisdom ; and awake your senses, that you 
may the better judge. 

If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Ctesar's; 
to him, I say that Brutus's love to Cassar was no less than his. 
If, then, that friend demand why Brutus rose against Ceesar ? 
this is my answer — not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved 
Rome more. Had you rather Caesar were, and die all slaves ; 
than that Cajsar were dead, to live all freemen ?— As Cgesar 
loved me, I weep for him ; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it ; 
as he was valiant, I honor him ; but as he was ambitious, I 
slew him. There are tears for his love, joy for his fortune, 
honor for his valor, and death for his ambition. Who's here 
so base, that would be a bond-man ? If any, speak ; for him 
have I offended. Who's here so rude, that would not be a 
Roman ? If any, speak ; for him have I offended. Who's here 
so vile, that will not love his country ? If any, speak ; for him 
have I offended. I pause for a reply. 

None ? — Then none have I offended. I have done no more 
to Cgesar, than you should do to Brutus. The question of his 
death is enrolled in the capital ; his glory not extenuated, 
wherein he was worthy ; nor his offences enforced, for which 
he suffered death. 

Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Anthony ; who, 
though he had no hand in his death, shall receive the benefit 
of his dying, a place in the commonwealth : as, which of you 
shall not ? With this I depart — that as I slew my best lover 
for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself when 
it shall please my country to need my death. — Shakespeare. 



12 

For my part I think it sufficient for men who have approved 
their virtue in action, by action to be honored for it, — by such 
as you see the public gratitude now performing. Justice to 
our forefathers require that we should on this occasion bestow 
on them an honorable remembrance. In this our country, 
they kept themselves always firmly settled, and through their 
valor, handed it down free, to every since succeeding genera- 
tion. Worthy indeed of praise aie they. But not less worthy 
are our immediate Fathers ; since enlarging our inheritance 
into the extensive Country which we now possess, they be- 
queathed their work of toil to us their children. 

Brethren do act understandingly about this strife, and do 
not sell this fair heritage of our Fathers, which was bought by 
their sufferings and blood ; do not sell it, I repeat, for a mess 
of Pottage, or at any other price. Rather say, as did that 
eccentric Senator, when a challenge was presented to him to 
fight a duel with his brother Senator, when he sent back to 
his adversary this laconic answer. Tell my friend, I will write 
home to my wife and family for their consent, for I cannot 
myself, not wholly my own, and if I obtain it, I will fight the 
duel ; or if it suits him, he may chalk out my figure on the 
wall and fire at that, and if he hits it I will acknowledge my- 
self dead. 

To whom will ye liken God ? who hath measured the waters 
in the hollow of his hand, and meeted out heaven with a span, 
and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and 
weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance ! 

Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, and ride forth thou King 
most mighty, from conquering and to conquer, until He shall 
reign, whose right it is to rule. 



13 

The Union of the States, and of the Families of the States, 
'bearing so near a semblance, we shall treat them as synony- 
mous. We read that God swore by himself because he could 
swear by no greater. 

First. — We remark that the blessed Union may be preserved 
by performing unto the Lord our " vows " or oaths. 

Let us all adhere to and keep inviolable, the oath of allegi- 
ance to the Covenant or Constitution, entered into by our 
Fathers, when they framed the Corfederacy or Union of the 
States. Which Oath is the basis on which rests the Republic. 

" God who in times pa^t, spake unto our Fathers by the 
Prophets, hath in these last days, spoken unto us by his Son, 
whom he hath appointed heir of all tilings ; by whom also he 
made the World." 

" Believest thou the Prophets ? I know that thou believest. 
Hear me for my cause, and be silent that ye may hear. Be- 
lieve me for mine honor, and have respect to mine honor, that 
you may believe." 

If ye hear not Moses and the Prophets, neither would you 
be pursuaded though Washington should rise from the dead. 

Read the Inaugural^Address of Gen. Andrew Jackson, and 
your duty will therein be made manifest. 

An extract reads thus : — " It will devolve on me to execute 
the Laws of the United States, to superintend their confederate 
relations, and to promote their interests generally. And the 
principles of action by which I shall endeavor to accomplish 
this circle of duties, is now proper for me to explain. In ad- 
ministering the Laws of Congress, I shall keep steadily in 
view, the limitations as well as the extent of the executive 
power, trusting thereby to discharge the functions of my office, 
without transcending its authority." 

**************jj^ g^^l^ measures as I may be called upon to 
pursue in regard to the rights of the seperate States, I hope 
to be annimated by a proper respect for tliose sovereign mem- 



14 

bers of our Union ; taking care not to confound the powers 
they have reserved to themselves, with those they have gaanted 
to the Confederacy. 

The management of the public revenues, that searching 
opperation of all governments, is one of the most delicate 
and important trust in ours ; and it will of course demand no 
incansiderable share of my official solicitude ; under every 
aspect in which it can be considered, it would appear that ad- 
vantage must result from the observance of a strict and faith- 
ful economy. This I shall aim at the more anxiously, both 
because it will facilitate the extinguishment of the national 
debt, the unnecessary duration of which, is incompatable with 
real independence, and because it will counteract that tend- 
ency to public and private profligacy, which a profuse expen- 
diture of money by the government, is too apt to endanger. 
Powerful auxiliaries to the attainment of this desirable end, 
are to be found in the regulations provided by the wisdom of 
Congress, for the specific appropriations of the public money 
and the prompt accountability of public affairs. With regard 
to a proper selection of the subjects of imposts, with a view 
to revenue, it would seem to me that the spirit of equity, 
caution and compromise, in which the Constitution was framed, 
requires that the great interests of Agriculture, Commerce, 
and Manufactures, should be equally favored, and that perhaps 
the only exception to this rule, should consist in the peculiar 
encouragement of any products, of either of them, that may 
be found essential to our national independence. 

The military should be held subordinate to the civil power. 

As long as our government is administrated for the good of 
the people, and is regulated by their will, it will be worth de- 
fending, and so long as it is worth defending, a patriotic militia 
will cover it with an impenetrable aegis. Partial injuries and 
occasional mortifications, we may be subjected to, but a million 
of armed freemen, possessed of the means of war, can never be 



15 

conquered by aforeig-n foe, " neither can they be conquered, 
if they continue true to tl)eir oaths, by any home made foes. 

The recent demonstration of public sentiment enscribes on 
the list of executive duties, in characters too legible to be 
misunderstood ; the task of reform, which will require partic- 
ularly, the corrections of those abuses that have brought the 
patronage of the Federal government into conflict with the 
freedom of elections ; and the counter-action of those causes, 
which have disturbed the rightful cause of appointment, and 
have placed or continued power, in unfaithful or incompetent 
hands. In the performance of a task thus generally delinia- 
ted, I shall endeavor to select men, whose diligence and talents 
will insure in their respective stations, able and faithful co-op- 
eration, depending for the advancement of public service, more 
on the integrity and zeal of the public officers, than on their 
number. A diffidence, perhaps too just, in my own qualifica- 
tions, will teach me to look with reverence to the example 
of public virtue, left by my illustrious predecessors, and with 
veneration to the lights that flow from the minds that founded 
and reformed our system. The same diffidence induces me to 
hope for instruction and aid from the co-ordinate branches of 
the government, and for the indulgence and support of my 
fellow citizens generally. And a firm reliance on and good- 
ness of that power whose providence wonderfully protected 
our national infancy, and has since upheld our liberties in 
various vicissitudes, encourages me to offer up my ardent sup- 
plications that he will continue to make our beloved country 
the object of his divine care, and gracious benediction." 

What, my readers, is the light that flowed from the minds of 
his illustrious predecessors, who founded and reformed our 
system. 

Let us study with deep reverence for a knowledge of their 
public virtues, and endeavor as far as possible to imitate their 



16 

example. It i» not our province to instruct the enlightened 
minds of the readers of this article, but to awaken a train of 
thoughts now dormant, with regard to Personal Liberty Laws. 
It is unnecessary to repeal that law, since it is illegal and 
therefore void. The law conflicts with the constitution, which 
was framed with the oaths and compromises of our Patriotic 
Fathers. The Union cannot be dissolved, for as soon as it is 
attempted, the party that assists therein, if he be a public 
officer, is liable to imprisonment as a perjurer or a traitor. 
Dispel your fears — cast them to the winds. Ye shall not need 
to fight in this great battle ! set yourselves, stand ye still, and 
see the salvation of the Lord with you ; fear not, nor be dis- 
mayed. 

It is well known, that the law teaches, that the tie of Alle- 
gienca is more obligatory than any other. 

" What, my good people, is the meaning of this commo- 
tion ? Be not concerned for the loss of your leader, follow 
your new leader into the field and you shall have whatever 
you desire." It reads in Gen, IV, 12-15, that the Lord said 
to Cain, " When thou tillest the ground it shall not hence- 
forth yield unto thee her strength. A fugitive and a vagabond 
shall thou be in the earth. And the Lord set a mark upon 
Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. And Cain went 
out from the presence of the Lord." Who among you will 
determine the color of the mark that the Lord set upon Cain ? 
The Lord said to Adam, for his sin in Gen III. 19, " In the 
sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, for dust thou art, and 
unto dust shalt thou return." Why should we murmur 
against God for the performance of his threat in the first in- 
stance more than the second ? Why such a commotion be- 
cause the illegitimate children of one color is seperated from 
its parents, when there is in the other color, or white race — 
(which philosophy teaches that white is no color), — there is 
no commotion at a separation. Exercise your reason, and it 



17 

will be restored and strengthened. Did you ever know any 
instances of white children's being separated from their pa- 
rents ? Go with me to the Reform School of this State, and 
see if any of those youthful rosy cheeked, bright eyed boys, 
have been separated from their parents during their minority, 
for truancy, and perhaps without the knowledge of their pa- 
rents, by the testimony of one witness. Oh look into our 
State Prisons for adults and see if there are not some innocent 
persons there separated from wife and children, through the 
false testimony of some one. 

Come, gentlemen philanthropists, and take a stroll through 
the streets of this boasted city of New England, and see what 
you can discover that requires the enlistment of your sympa- 
thies. Hark ! hear ye that cry of deep anguish from that 
group of little girls yonder ? One of whom is seated, this 
cold, bleak, autumn morning, on that mound of damp earth, 
with a helpless, little cripple child in her arms ? Inquire the 
cause of her sorrow, and learn from her bursting heart her 
tale of anguish ; her mother camnot take care of her any 
longer, and they have no home ; for their father, who finds 
employment from the city, ivill not take care of his children. 
Listen to the sympathizing words of that little group of girls 
that have gathered around, and let your own heart beat in 
response. Inquire for their master, and take the children up- 
wards a few blocks where you see that group of women. In- 
quire of the mother who is among them, the cause of her suf- 
ferings, and she will tell you that her landlord wants his 
house, or room, because she cannot pay the rent ; that she 
has no food to feed her famishing half clad children : hear her 
while she relates to you of better days, of her powers and 
capacities and willingness to work. But that she cannot pro- 
vide for those five children that are gathered around her and 
pay the rent, also. While her husband is spending his (?) 
money elsewhere. Take her with her group of children along 



18 

with you to some benevolent public officer, and state her case 
to him ; then hasten from your own stores to supply their im- 
mediate wants, by filling her empty basket with provision, of 
which she has scarcely partaken for several days ; and by putr 
ting stockings on the bare feet of that little cripple of three 
summers, who has never yet been able to walk, place a cover- 
ing on her bare head, and also clothes on the other tattered 
children. Listen, then, for your reward to that " God bless 
you" from the grateful mother, as she stands before you with 
the tear-glistening eye, and say ; is it not more blessed to give 
than to receive ? 

Or come ye, and listen to that tale of by-gone days from the 
lips of that aged saint, of eighty summers ; from whom you 
can glean a history of the deepest interest. The looks of 
Gen. Washington, as she saw him while on a visit to Boston, 
in the days of her childhood. Hear her narrate the many in- 
cidents of her early life in Boston, her native place, and of 
Plymouth, and of Dorchester, where her grandfather resided. 
Hear her relate the story as she heard it from the lips of her 
own mother, that when the British, in their red coats, were 
seen by her coming up the heights of Dorchester, with what 
fear and trepidation she seized her fii-st born, sleeping infant 
from .the cradle and hastily descended to the arch in the cellar, 
while the " red coats" came and searched, and departed 
without discerning her retreat. With what haste, after their 
departure, she gathered a bundle and run across the fields to 
her own father's house. Listen as she tells you of her grand- 
father's slave, and of his neighbor's slaves. When he was 
sent to the pillory for a whipping to be given him, the trick 
he served upon another slave, by feigning sickness, and em- 
ploying another slave to bear his master's note. Of the slave 
that was hung with his master, for stealing-, who came down 
alive upon his feet, and begged so hard of the by-standers to 



be forgiven, ascertaining that he only obeyed his master. How 
are the aged watched over and regarded by us ! 

Have the rights of the marriage contract, which were guar- 
anteed to her by the most solemn oath, been secured to her, 
inviolate ? She may have reared a family of twelve children J 
of her own children, many of whom may now be slumbering 
in the tomb, or immersed in the cares of their own families in 
distant parts of the country, have almost forgotten the claim 
of affection which she, in her long pilgrimage of four score 
years, holds to them. But can we, who dwell in her midst, 
forget with what alacrity she hastened to the call of suffering, 
be that call made upon her in the still watches of the night or 
at early dawn, through heat and cold, tempest and sunshine 
alike, for friend or foe, for rich or poor, without expectation 
or wish for reward, other than approval of her divine Master, 
" Well done, good and faithful servant." See her again as 
she recovers from a severe and protracted sickness, taking into 
her own family five little orphans until the relatives and friends 
may come forward to adopt them. 

Again behold her visiting one of that number, daily, at an 
infectious hospital. Regardless of self and of danger (and 
even past four score) see her shrouding her neighbor's little 
one for burial. But as they pass away, who will arise to imi- 
tate such virtues ? 

Or visit that aged widowed saint, who is childless ; listen to 
her well stored, historical narratives of by-gone days. See 
that oppressive taxation does not take from her the comforts 
of life. Speak kindly words to her, and lift the veil of sor- 
row from her heart. Revefence the aged. Oh, how blessed 
to have them remain so long with us ! Show them by every 
act of attention, that you know their worth and work. 

What an open field is spread out to the Philanthropists of 
this State, for active service ! Who, among my readers, will 
voluntarily enter this field and labor to liis utmost powers, till 



20 

his Master shall call him to labor in a higher sphere in His 
heavenly kingdom ! 

We have all been living too much at our ease, and have for- 
gotten the injunction of our Heavenly Master, to labor till he 
comes, — to improve the 07ie or more talents which has been 
given us with his injunction, " Occupy till I come." Let us 
hasten to do our first work, and leave off this contention, tur- 
moil and strife. And do faithfully, in our oivn fields, with all 
our might what our hands find to do. For there is no device, 
nor wisdom, nor knowledge, in the grave whither we are has- 
tening. Let us follow the injunction of the Apostle to the 
Gentiles, to do nothing to offend. He says, " If meat make 
my brother to offend, I will eat no meat." My readers will 
allow, that Charity is one of the most heavenly graces. " For 
Charity suffereth long, and is kind, is not easily provoked, 
eeeketh not its own." Let us, therefore, cherish it in our 
hearts, and we shall be abundantly blessed with peace and 
prosperity, and with the Union of the States ; which have been 
the pride and glory of our Fathers, and which they have trans- 
mitted to us their children, by their struggles with hunger and 
cold, and even with their blood, hoping thereby to secure to 
us the peace and happiness we now enjoy. Let us not forget 
their pledge of life, and fortune, and sacred honor, to secure 
to us our free institutions. 

We are happy in the form ot government which cannot envy 
the laws of our neighbors ; for it hath served as a model to 
others ; but is original at this country. And this one form, as 
not committed to the few but to the whole body of the people, 
is called a democracy. How different soever in a private ca- 
pacity," we all enjoy the same general equality our laws are 
fitted to preserve ; and superior honors, just as we excel. 
The public administration is not confined to a particular 
family, but is attainable only by merit. Poverty is not a hind- 
rance, since whoever is able to serve his country, meets with 



21 

no obstacle of preferment from his first obscurity. The offi- 
cers of the State all go tln-ough without obstructions from one 
another ; and live together in the mutual endearments of pri- 
vate life, without suspicion ; not angry with a neighbor for 
following the bent of his own humor, nor putting on that 
countenance of discontent which pains, though it cannot pun- 
ish. So that in private life, we converse together without diffi- 
dence or damage ; whilst we dare not, on any account, offend 
against the public through the reverence we bear to the mag- 
istrates and the laws, — chiefly to those enacted for redress of 
the injured ; and to those unwritten, a breach of which, is 
allowed disgrace. Our laws have further provided for the 
mind, most frequent intermissions of care, but the appoint- 
ment of public recreations throughout the year, — a charm that 
puts melancholy to flight. The grandeur of this our country 
causeth the produce of the whole earth to be imported here, 
by which we reap a familiar enjoyment, not more the delica- 
cies of our own growth than of those of other nations. 

We lay open our country to general resort nor ever drive 
any stranger from us, whom either improvement or curiosity 
hath brought among us, lest any enemy should hurt us by 
seeing what is never concealed, we place not so great a con- 
fidence in the preparations and artifices of war as in the 
native warmth of our souls impelling us to action. In point 
of education, the youth of some people are inured by a 
course of laborious exercise to support toil and hardship like 
men ; but we notwithstanding our easy and elegant way of 
life, face all the dangers of war as intrepredly as they. — 
What though from a state of inactivity rather than loborious 
exercise, or with a natural, rather than an acquired valor, we 
learn to encounter danger, this good at least we receive from 
it, that we never droop under the apprehension of possible 
misfortune, and when we hazard the danger are found no 
less courageous than those who are continually inured in it. 



22 

In these respects, our whole community deserves justly to be 
admired, and in many we have yet to mention. 

Herein consists our distinguishing excellence, that in the 
hour of action, we show the greatest courage, and debate be- 
forehand the expediency of our measure. And those un- 
doubtedly must be owned to have the greatest souls, who, 
most acutely sensible of the miseries of war, and the sweets 
of peace, are not hence in the least deterred from facing 
danger. 

Permit us again to invite the attention of Philanthropists, 
and of the Judges of our Courts, and of the Clergy, to a few 
more observations respecting the laws of this State. 

It strikes us as remarkable and ludicrous, that the laws of 
the State of Maine, which recognize the right of her citizens 
to acquire property by an honest profession, do not ac- 
knowledge his right to dispose of that property by his own 
contract ; and that contract the most sacred, taken as it is, 
in the name of the most Holy Trinity, and in the presence of 
witnesses, thereby annulling that most sacred of all con- 
tracts, — the marriage contract. The Judges of our Courts 
will surely acknowledge, that all contracts for the perform- 
ance of unlawful acts, are void. And that where one of the 
parties to a contract makes a misrepresentation of an impor- 
tant fact, snch misrepresentation, though unintentional, will 
entitle the other to rescind the contract. Observe the con- 
tract : " With this ring I thee wed, and with all my worldly 
goods I thee endow^ It is unlaivfid to endow the wedded 
wife with all the husband's worldly goods, therefore the mar- 
contract is void, even though the husband was ignorant of 
the law, and they are unintentional on his part ; and that 
sacred spot, boasted of by him, and sung of by poets, 
" Sweet Home," around which, clusters all his sweetest 
memories. That home that man's meek angel has striven 
to make a heaven of, can no longer be claimed law- 



23 

fully his own, because the laws will not permit a man to en- 
dow his wife with property without the approval of the 
Judge of Probate of the County in which he resides. 

It may be humiliating to an honest man, to contemplate the 
laws, and imagine his own widow, after he has left a will, 
unable to carry out any of his wishes, and to see that widow, 
after recovering from her confinement, petitioning the Judge 
of Probate to be appointed Guardian of her own infant, and 
her child that she is appointed guardian of she is never en- 
titled to the services of, but is bound to support that child 
out of her own estate, if her husband leaves an insufficiency. 

The Mother, as Guardian of her child must give a bond 
in a penalty of double the amount of the personal estate, and 
of the gross amount or value of the rents and profits of the 
real estate during his minority, together with at least two 
sufficient sureties, each of whom, must be worth the amount 
specified in the penalty of their bonds, over and above all 
debts. Again, imagine your own widow, as Administrator 
of your estate, petitioning the Judge of Probate for license 
to purchase a burial spot for yourself, and imagine her feel- 
ings as she sees the publishment of her petition, week after 
week, and trembles lest her petition cannot be answered. Do 
you wonder that woman is weak with such laws ? Reverse 
them and her strength will be increased, and thus the strength 
of future generations be increased ; for the mother surely im- 
parts her nature to her sons and daughters. 

Ever bear in mind that our blessed Redeemer was born of 
a Woman, and his last act was to commend his Mother to 
the care of his beloved desciple John. 

Should the husband survive his children (whatever their 
number might have been) and die childless, and without 
leaving a "Will, the widow loses all but a dower, one-third 
interest in the estate. 

The husband's nearest relative, who is the heir at law, can 



24 

take possession of the property, push her ojff, and leave her 
without the means of subsistance, except such as she can 
glean from her one-third, whatever the widow's age or infir- 
maties may be, or whatever may have been her cares, and 
struggles as a help-meet to her husband for a long series of 
years. The widow must not look for mercy from the hus- 
band's relatives who succeed to the two-thirds, for they will 
annoy her in a thousand ways to crush out her spirit and 
life, that they may the sooner enter upon possession of the 
other third. The widow's feelings cannot be imagined as 
she enters with her humble petition into the kingly presence 
of the Judge of Probate, lest through lack of knowledge of 
etiquette, her manners should not reach the standard that 
would induce the king to hold out to her the golden sceptre, 
and thus her petition and spirits be alike crushed. But cheer 
up, afflicted widows, " for behold, your redemption draweth 
nigh." 

For if the state refuses to allow your deceased husband's 
estate to fulfil the marriage contract, you are entitled to an 
equivalent in damages for the direct gains which you would 
have realized from the performance of the same, form the 
State itself. So never again distrust that God, who has told 
you in his Word, that the very hairs of your head are num- 
bered, although you may not be able to see the number 
thereon. 

What a spectacle will it present for a general disunion of 
families to take place. Hasten, legislators, to enact a law 
that will confirm the marriage contract, and thus save that 
most hallowed union. 

" Nor for wealth, or fame, or power, hath men's meek angel striven, 
But silent as the growing flower, to make of earth a heaven." 

Permit us to call the attention of philantropists to a few 
observations drawn from practical life among us at the North. 



25 

It cannot fail, we think, at this exciting time of secession 
movement, to attract the attention of legislators, and of the 
Judges of our Courts, that an extensive and noble field of 
labor is spread out for their philanthropy in this State. 

Since the Chief Executive of this great confederacy has told 
us, in his recent message, that the sovereign States of the 
South alone are responsible before God and the world for slav- 
ery existing among them, will it not exonerate our philanthro- 
pists of the North from future labors in that field, and afford 
them time to look up the oppressed at Jiome ? For whom they 
will enact such laws as will give those who bear the responsi- 
bilities and care of rearing families and of sharing the sorrows 
of their partners in life, the rights that the Great Creator en- 
dowed our first mother with, as may be learned by reading 
Gen., chap. 2, verse 24 ; chap. 3, 26. From the first quotation 
we learn that by marriage covenant, God pronounces Adam 
and his wife one, and in the second quotation, that she is to 
share with him equally in his possessions, she being called 
" mother of all living :" and as they had no children at that 
time, it must be to show her equality in all their living pos- 
sessions, that she is thus called the mother. 

Tlie great number of divorces decreed at our Courts of late, 
show conclusively that new laws are needed — ^that something 
is wrong ; or the Judges of our Courts would not so often ap- 
prove of secession in the marriage contract, which to us seems 
equally as binding and to contribute as much to the happiness 
of nation of families as does the union of the States of this 
great Republic. 

Let us look at the marriage contract and compare it with 
the laws of this State : 

" With this ring I thee wed, and with all my worldly goods 
I thee endow, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy 
Ghost." Is it true that the wife or widow finds herself thus 
endowed when she settles her deceased husband's estate ? On 



26 

the contrary, is she endowed with any definite power, either 
as partner, agent, or anything nameable ? Does not her posi- 
tion bear a semblance to the shive ? She has been faithful to 
her lord and master, or husband, says the Judge of Probate 
to the administrator, suppose we make her an allowance out 

of the personal property, amounting to which perhaps is 

less than she brought with her to her husband. She can have 
her right of dower of one-third from his real estate : that is, 
the income of one-third ; but suppose it to be all land, from 
which no income can be obtained ? Can she sell one-third of 
the land ? Why no ! She can sell her right of dower, calcu- 
lating with a nicety the time she will be likely to live. And 
who takes the other two-thirds of his property ? Why, his chil- 
dren, as tho' the mother could forget her own children, or 
they were nothing to the mother. She is placed under bonds 
to be guardian to her own children, thus making her a slave 
to them. The child becomes of age and marries, and if the 
son-in-law or the daughter in law is benevolent, the mother is 
permitted to live with them, if she makes herself useful. 
What can be done to improve matters ? let us inquire. Why, 
let justice always take the throne and we shall perc^ve at 
once that we should do as we would be done by. How would 
the husband find means to change the laws were they vice 
versa. But it may be urged that the husband can make his 
will. But does he always make it ? On the contrary, " all 
men think all men mortal but themselves," and so procrasti- 
nate, and death overtakes one man, perhaps in a foreign coun- 
try, and the name of one of a rising family was not mentioned 
in his will. Or, perchance, the dying husband makes his will, 
distracted with pain, and without a sulhcient number of wit- 
nesses — will it be lawful ? Or, his wishes may be learned by 
letters, but are they approved ? It is to the framers of the 
laws that this appeal is made for redress — that the laws may 
be so amended as to improve the conjugal relation, having 



27 

them based on a good foundation. The child of twenty-one 
now is la\V^fully entitled to the same, as the child of one year. 
So that if there are many children, with a small property, the 
mother has enough to do the rest of her life, for she is expect- 
ed to care for her young children. But, say you, the Judge 
of Probate has discretionary power to do for young children. 
Yes ; but suppose, for some reason best known to himself, he 
refuses to exercise that discretionary power ? What man 
among you wishes to place a King on the throne over his own 
family affairs, and have his own widow silenced and his own 
written wishes disregarded ? 

The widowed mother, without property, will not be placed 
under bonds to be guardian of her children ; but if she fail to 
exert herself for their support, she will be likely to find herself 
in a place of confinement, properly called the Work house, 
where she will most certainly be expected to contribute towards 
her children's support. 

The constitution of marriage which was made in the gar- 
den of Eden, when the Lord pronounced our first parents 
One flesh, has since been confirmed or ratified by the Oath of 
the Covenant, at the marriage altar. Marriage, to a woman, 
is at onee the happiest and the saddest event of her life. She 
enters into the path before her, buoyed up by the confidence 
of requited love. Then woe I to the man that would blast 
such fond hopes. " Its life is the one by which higher, or 
more interior principles in the mind are enabled to flow down 
with ultimate activity and become purified from hereditary 
stains. Thus purified, they minister to higher and more in^ 
terior capacities to happiness. In other words, they enable 
us to perform higher uses in life, and as a conseq^uence, ren- 
der us happier. Marriage has its cares, its sorrows, its deep 
anxieties, as well as its duties. But though you have your 
crosses to bear, your griefs and pains and anxious cares, all 



28 

will be blessed to you, the character will become more and 
more perfected by these cares." 

No spiritual good is born without labor and pain. It 
must be so in the very nature of things ; for it is only by the 
resistance to, and putting under our feet, of mere natural 
ajffections, that we rise into the life and delight of pure, un- 
selfish spiritual affections. Marriage being a state essential 
to the preservation of the human race, being a state for 
which every one is created, there must be perverted affections 
of a very vital character, which never can become active, and 
therefore never resisted and regenerated, unless the marriage 
relations be formed. How important, then, to every one, is 
this union ! It may and will have its trials, its pains, and its 
temptations ; but without them, its uses would never be 
fully attained. The oath of the marriage contract is regis- 
tered on high, and cannot be broken, inasmuch as it is taken 
in the name of the most holy Trinity ; but if the contract 
cannot be kept inviolate for the law, that law must be taken 
from the statute books. 

The recommendation of President Buchanan to the people 
of the United States, to observe th 4th day of January as a 
day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer, strikes us, as shad- 
owing forth the wisdom of a Soloman ! What profound 
wisdom ' Every line I and every word ! of that unequaled 
petition or invocation of the Great Chief Magistrate, to this 
people to observe this day by fasting and prayer, shows faith ! 
•' It is like apples of gold in pictures of silver," and ought to 
be engraved on every heart. Hear him, where he says, " in 
this^ the hour of our calamity and peril, to whom should we 
resort for relief but to the God of our Fathers ? His omnip- 
otent arm only can save us, from the awful effects of our 
own crimes and follies — our own ingratitude and guilt 
towards our Heavenly Father," 

" Let us then^ with deep contrition and penitent sorrow. 



29 

unite in humbling ourselves before the most High. * * Let 
us implore him, to remove from our heart that false pride of 
opinion which would impel us to persevere in wrong for the 
sake of consistency, rather than yield a just submission to the 
unforeseen exigencies by which we are now surrounded. 
Let us with deep reverence beseech Him above all to save us 
from ' blood guiltiness.' An omnipotent prudence may over- 
rule existing evils for permanent good. Let me invoke every 
individual, in whatever sphere of life he may be placed, to 
feel a personal responsibility to God and his country for keep- 
ing this day holy, and for contributing all in his power to 
remove our actual and impending calamities." 

Let this great nation, as one heart, respond to this invoca- 
tion, and with deep contrition and penitent sorrow, unite in 
humbling themselves before the most High, and in confessing 
our individual and national sins, and in acknowledging the 
justice of our punishment, and we are saved — " saved from 
blood guiltiness" — for God will hear and answer prayer, be 
assured of that ye that never pray, and if prayer has never 
yet ascended from your heart, let this first prayer ascend, that 
yon may not imbue your hands in your brother's blood. God 
forbid that we should have a civil war ! 

The power of prayer ! Who doubts its power ? Go ask 
the lone widow with her orphan children, bowed down by 
oppression, where she obtains her strength to buoy up that 
cheerful spirit, and she will point you to that never failing 
fountain, from which she obtains her supplies, the throne of 
Grace. 

I have a case to relate which recently came to my notice 
of a christian woman, that was suddenly bereft of her hus- 
band and child by death, where sympathising friends -stepped 
in between her and her step children, and out of pure friend- 
ship (?) to the latter, broke up the family harmony, somewhat 
as these United States are now in fearful danger of being 



30 

broken up. Her means for providing for her young children 
was melting away by the combined efforts of her professed 
friends. And when her heart was well nigh crushed by her 
oppressors, and her breath seemed almost about to leave her, 
she sank upon her knees with her little one kneeling beside, 
and as she raised he voice in prayer, the little one beside her 
says, " Mother, pray God to make hearts good," naming 
those who had created all the trouble. No sooner had the 
prayer ascended than the widow became calm, and the deep 
anguish passed away /orerer, and she arose and opened her 
Bible at 2d Chronicles, 20 : 11, 12 — 17, in which the Omnip- 
otence of God is strikingly set forth — and quietly she slum- 
bered that night, which she had been unable to do for many 
nights, from her deep anguish I a bruised spirit who can bear! 
no person can without Divine aid. Let us the all seek now 
Divine aidy and as the little one suggested to her mother, 
pray for not only ourselves, but for blersings on those who 
have produced the trouble, " that God will make their hearts 
good," as well as our own, and this anguish that has now 
seized our country will pass away forever. 

I close this work with a few remarks on our beloved "Wash- 
ington. I shall not attempt a review and philosophical an- 
alysis of the whole character of Washington, as my space is 
limited. 

When the news of the splendid feat performed by Wash- 
ington, in the surprise and capture of the Hessians at Tren- 
ton, reached the headquarters of the British army at New 
York, it found Cornwallis just about to embark for England, 
in the comfortable assurance that the conquest of the Colo- 
nies was already virtually accomplished — a sad mistake for 
him, as the future was destined to prove. Gen. Howe, the 
British commander, arrested his departure, and sent him with 
a considerable force into New Jersey, to check and drive 



31 

back the American army. Leaving in his rear a quantity of 
stores at Brunswick, and a number of troops at Princeton, 
Cornwallis went forward to Trenton, near which the Ameri- 
can forces under Washington then were. 

In consequence of harrassments which he met on the way, 
he did not enter Trenton until about nightfall ; and there- 
fore determined to delay till the following morning, his in- 
tended attack on Washington. 

The latter, finding himself face to face with a force greatly 
superior to his own, and knowing that either to sutler a re- 
pulse, or voluntarily to retreat from the Jerseys, would at that 
time eiicert a very disastrous influence on the patriotic cause, 
struck out one of those grand manoeuvers with which he oc- 
casionally astonished his friends and overwhelmed his adver- 
saries. 

Leaving a few men to keep up fires and other camp op- 
erations during the night, thus deceiving the enemy, and then 
to follow after, he drew off the body of his forces in the dead 
of night, and made a hurried march to Princeton. Reaching 
the vicinity of that town early in the morning, he found the 
troops left there by Cornwallis in the act of setting out for 
Trenton. One or two regiments, under Col. Mawhood, 
already on the march, intercepted a division of the American 
force under Col. Hugh Mercer, whom Washington had sent 
on to enter Princeton by a route different from his own. 

A collision ensued, and the troops under Col. Mercer were 
repulsed. A division of Pennsylvania militia, coming up to 
his relief, were also checked, and were in danger of being 
routed. At this juncture Washington himself dashed up on 
his white charger, and seeking by voice and example to rally 
the flying troops, and encourage the halting militia, rushed 
forward under the very muzzles of the enemy's guns. His 
soul was thoroughly fired with determined zeal. The con- 
tagion spread. The American troops, with their reinforce- 



32 

ments, returned to the contest. "Washington's position, be- 
tween opposing fires, was one of great danger. A terrific 
discharge from the enemy's guns at one time enveloped him 
in a cloud of smoke. He was lost to the view of his own 
friends, and his affectionate aid-de-camp gave him up in de- 
spair. The cloud was, however, not charged with ruin, but 
filled with mercy. He was presently seen to emerge unhurt. 
The greatest enthusiasm seized the American forces. The 
enemy in turn gave way, and as he saw them breaking into 
flight, Washington waved his hat in enthusiastic and exultant 
triumph. 

At the moment already described, when he dashes forward 
toward the enemy's guns, and draws himself up in calm defi- 
ance, as though he would challenge his fate, and was indif- 
ferent to the result — it is as he appears at this moment that 
the artist seeks to present him in the statue before us. How 
firm his resolve ! how his great soul is uplifted by a sense of 
his noble mission ! Feeling himself an instrument of Heaven^ 
to accomplish a nation's deliverance, he fears no harm. The 
messengers of death fly around him, but he heeds them not. 
His trust is in the shield of the Most High. 



APPENDIX 



TO THE 



UNION OF THE STATES, 



AM TEE mm M m rAiiiiiEs of thj 



ilfl Slffll ill ■! ilfil. 



HOW THEY MAT BE PRESERVED. 



BY MRS. J. P. THURSTON. 



PORTLAND: 
PRINTED FOR THE PUBLISHER- 

1861. 



To THE Pamphlet entitled, " The Union op the States, 

AND the Union op the Families op the United 

States and of Great Britain. How 

they may be Preserved. 



" The Power of the Prajer of Faith." 

The Union of the States is a subject paramount to all 
others, and one that should be carried with true faith bj 
every praying Christian to the throne of grace ; that God 
will save us from the miseries of a sundered Union. Let 
us ask of Him (who never refuses a request offered in faith), 
wisdom to direct our Rulers, and for wisdom to direct the 
whole people in the right measures to preserve the Union 
right. Justice is strong ; next to the Almighty. " Real 
manifest justice, in our civil relations to the entire copartner- 
ship of our Union on the one side, would be more successful 
in promoting harmony, than many ships of war on the other 
side. 

We are to do right, then, on the Statue books, so as to fulfil 
our constitutional pledges, and by every manifestation of kind- 
ness and forbearance endeavor to conciliate and harmonize 
discordant elements, or spirits. Lest the Lord pour out his 
indignation upon us, as upon Jerusalem, as written in Ezekiel 
22d, 15th verse to 31sl, which read and reflect upon. 

Wlien our States combined together under one government^ 
they came into the Union, each with all the imperfections and 
wrongs it had tolerated; and with some, which the rulers 
themselves, no more elevated in morals than the people, had 
justified and confirmed. They took each other with a clear 
understanding of what they took, for better or for worse. 



If we examine the character of Washington, we shall find 
it thoroughly imbrued with conscientious convictions of duty. 
Duty ! Duty ! was the great controlling idea with him. So 
strong, so deep, so sublime was his sense of duty, that in its 
discharge he felt himself under special guidance, or protec- 
tion of an overruling destiny. " I think I see clearly the 
finger of Providence in my past life," was a form of ex- 
pression used by him. And again he said : "As the All- 
wise Dispenser of events has hitherto watched our very steps, 
I trust," &c. 

His sense of duty was a robust, manly feeling, the verdict 
of a sound judgment sustained by an active healthy con- 
science ; and acting up to its dictates he felt himself under 
the guidance and protection of the great Arbiter of truth and 
justice. This was the basis of his belief in destiny. Stayed 
by it, as by a great anchor, his soul was calm, steadfast, im- 
movable. He had not that vulgar firmness which boasts itself 
for a purpose and surrenders for a price. His was that firm- 
ness that repels temptation, and makes one calmer as the 
storm grows louder. Let me present one or two illustrations. 

When the great work was done and the time approached 
for the army to be disbanded, they were greatly dissatisfied ; 
they thought th^it Congress had treated them with injustice. 
With the assent and encouragement of Washington, they 
would undoubtedly have been ready to make him supreme 
ruler, with the title of King. Washington scorned the prof- 
fered bribe, and successfully rebuked the sedition. 

Another incident in his life, which perhaps equally exhibits 
his self-denial and controlling sense of duty. The year 1777 
was drawing to a close under circumstances very unfavorable 
to the American Commander-in-chief. The operations were 
probably planned by him, which led to the svirrender of Gen. 
Burgoyne, but Gates had reaped the credit of the achievement 
Brandy wine, German town and Fort Mifflin, had been the 



scenes of disaster to his foes ; and to crown all, Philadelphia 
was in possession of the enemy. In the meantime, a formi- 
dable rally had been formed, in which Gates, Conway, 
Mifflin and Sewell were the prime movers, whose object was 
to displace Washington from the chief command, and they 
were working not without some effect. Under these circum- 
stances, his friends thought it a matter of great importance 
to him to make a brilliant stroke. To drive out the enemy 
from Philadelphia and retake it, Washington was satisfied he 
could accomplish. But he concluded that while success would 
re-establish his own influence, the effect would be attended 
with so much loss of life as to do real injury to the patriot 
cause. He therefore resisted all persuasion, and yielled his 
own interest to the good of his country. What Napoleon or 
even Wellington would have done under similar circum- 
stances, none can doubt. Washington alone could thus prefer 
duty to fame and power. With so controlling a sense of duty, 
it may well be conceded, that success could not greatly elevate, 
nor reverse cast him down. In the one ease, he felt that he 
had merely been an instrument in the advancement of a good 
work ; in the other he replied, that He who is stronger than 
armies, and more powerful than the winds and wars of ad- 
verse fortune would, in His own time, take care of Hio own 
cause. He was therefore prone to " hope against hope." It 
was his maxim, " never to despair." Washington possessed 
a clear sound judgment, and a firm will, an ability to undergo 
hardships, and sympathy with the sufferings of others, econ- 
omy in the use of means." God grant that our rulers may 
follow the light which flows from the character of our beloved 
Washington, and that the Union of the States and of families 
may be preserved to the latest generations. We see that what- 
ever wisdom could devise, or firmness execute, or clemency 
soften, or devotion suffer, all this, it was known, might confi- 
dently be expected of him. And his example, may it be the 



6 

study of our rulers who represent the people, in whom the 
sovereignty is vested, and from whom, as trustees and agents, 
they receive their power, and to whom they are amenable at 
all times, to so imbue themselves with tlie spirit of Washing- 
ton, as to remove the present difficulties and to produce union 
and harmony to our beloved country. 

Let us not suppose we shall gain any good by disunion. 
The English Colonies might wish to unite with the North. 
But what possible benefit could be derived from them. Their 
own strength is perfect weakness. Let us imagine, for a mo- 
ment, what the state of the British Government would be if 
her Majesty, the Queen Victoria, should be removed by death. 
Who would then be at the head of that Government as King ? 
Prince Albert, or the Prince of Wales ? We read in a Lon- 
don paper, of the date ***** wliich is now before 
us, the whole marriage ceremony and contract. That contract 
is void, inasmuch as it is unlawful for the Prince to endoiv her 
Majesty with all his worldly goods, even though it be enforced 
!)y an oath. The Queen endows the Prince, by the marriage 
contract, with all her powers o^mind, and wealthy which over- 
balances his, so far as to annul the marriage contract. For it 
is a maxim in law, that a contract based upon an unreasonable 
consideration is void. A contract where the consideration is 
palpably insufficient for the performance of such contract, is 
void. 

Who, then, would be King of England ? By the marriage 
contract, they (Prince Albert and her majesty, Queen Vic- 
toria, long may she live to bless her nation) are like our first 
parents in the garden of Eden — one flesh ; and if they are 
one, it is apparent to my readers who would be the King. If 
they are not one, then is the marriage contract void. Then 
who would be the King of England at the Queen's decease ? 

We would suggest that the Statute books be made to con- 
form to marriage contract, and thus Prince Albert can unite 



Ills witl with Queen Victoria, for the Prince of Wales to suc- 
ceed her, and thereby bless, and save the Union of Families 
in the United States, as well as in Great Britain. 

Let us take another view of the marriage contract. Two 
fundamental doctrines of the church, viz : man's accounta- 
bility and free agency are destroyed by the conflicting law, 
which gives a portion onl?/, instead of endowing tlie wife with 
all. The comprehension of which is the several parts of the 
whole. *■' With all my worldly goods I thee endow" in the 
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 
Amen." With the sun's clearest effulgence in the heavens, 
how absurb to reason with man that it diffuses no light and 
heat to the earth. Thus absurd does it appear to ns to argue 
the point at issue. Even the definition of the word preceding 
the last period signify the married couple, — one, only. The 
Trinitarian, surely, can understand the divine nature. (We 
speak with deep awe on that most sacred subject.) The 
Scriptures teach us that the " wayfaring man though a fool 
need not err therein. But to return to the " contract of mar- 
riage." The law recognizes not the ivife as one. Farenis 
were recognized by the Lord at the marriage in tlic Garden of 
Eden, as " one flesh," and as " mother of all living," signi- 
fying Adam's estate. But the law in lieu of it endows the 
wife wtih nothing, actually/ ; although it is written in their 
Statute books that the wife is endowed with one-third. For ex- 
ample : The husband becomes addicted to gambling, and 
his (?) one hundred thousand dollars gradually diminishes ; 
and the distracted husband, to drown his remorse and anguish, 
puts an end to his existence, after having squandered it all 
away. Where, then, is the wife's dower, if that property was 
all in bank stock, scrip and bonds ? 

The law does not recognize the wife as a partner with her 
husband, consequently no action can be sustained to her ad- 
vantage therefrom, as might be in the case of a partner, who 



I 



8 

draws a note or bill in his individual name, the firm would 
not be liable therefor. But as we have already said, where 
the light is as clear as the noon-day sun, how absurd to argue 
the point. Unless the married couple are owe, the oaths and 
laws are useless, and void. 

1st. We have shown, that by an oath the wife is endowed 
at the marriage altar, with all, " not a portion," but all, com- 
prehending the several parts of the whole — as one with the 
husband. And the law should be made to conform thereto. 
How absurd does it appear for his Royal Highness, the Duke 
of Sussex to take the hand of her Majesty, and place in that 
of his Serene Highness, and take a vow, pledge each their 
oath, and the Archbishop of Canterbury to call upon the 
" Eternal God for his blessing, and that they may surely per- 
form and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, 
whereof this ring given and received, is a token and pledge,) 
and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and 
live according to thy laws through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. Those whom God hath joined together, let no men 
put asunder. 

Forasmuch as Albert and Victoria have consorted together 
in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God, and 
this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth 
either to other, and have declared the same by giving and re- 
ceiving of a ring, and by joining of hands, I pronounce that 
they be man and wife together." 

Though we have copied more than we intended of the cere- 
mony, we cannot forbear copying that portion of the cere- 
mony where Prince Albert placed the ring on her finger, re- 
peating, '' With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee 
worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow, in the 
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."^ 

How absurd does all this sacred rite appear if the law of 
the land cannot be made to conform to it. If that sacred oath 



9 

can be laid aside, on what foundation rest all laws ? Is not 
the oath the very basis of the laws ? All contracts for un- 
lavjful acts are void. Is the law that conflicts with man as a 
free agent, as a moral and accountable being to his Creator, 
and to his most sacred vow at the marriage ceremony to re- 
main, and yet the laws of justice be based upon man's oath. 
Where is thy faith ? By their works ye shall know them. 

" The oath was administered in the time of Christ at the 
judgment hall of the Sanhedrim. Christ himself is cited be- 
fore the throne of the Almighty, and called upon to testify on 
oath and under invocation of the name of the Most High God^ 
as to whom he was, whether a false prophet and deceiver. 
The High Priest uses the form of adjuration customary in 
Israel. " I adjure thee," says he " by the living Ood, that 
thou tell us whether thou be the Christ the Son of the 
blessed." The High Priest thus solemnly calls upon Jesus, 
as it were for his credentials, while making the basis of the en- 
tire Christian religion as the object of his inquiry, and in sa 
doing is perfectly justified by his official position. He knows 
the Messiah will be the Son of God, and not only like Jeho- 
vah, but Jehovah's equal, and thus really God. Caiphas asks, 
" art thou he ?" He stands there ready to sink with weari- 
ness from his sufferings, forsaken of his friends, inveigled 
against by his enemies, apparently the offscouring of the 
earth and incomparably wretched. Jesus is silent while the 
accusations were being made against him. He knows his an- 
swer will cause his death, but he no longer refrains. He tes- 
tifies before the throne of the living God with clear conscious- 
ness, consideration and formality, and solemnity. Thou hast 
said it, " 1 am." His affirmation establishes our faith on an 
everlasting foundation. 

If the Oath is the basis of our religious faith, how is it that 
the laws of the land are permitted to conflict with it, as in the 
marriage contract ? 



10 

Wc recollect an instance in Tory early life, of attending a 
Sabbath day service, of a cold autumnal morning, with our 
little treasure, in one piece of money in our pocket. The pas- 
tor took for his text, " He that giveth to the poor, lendeth to 
the Lord ; that which he giveth him will He pay him again." 
The sermon was a strong one in behalf of the destitute ; una- 
ble to resist his arguments, (after vainly wishing our money 
in broken fragments that we might give less, as our various 
wants arose up in the mind, and that it must be our all or 
none.') As the box came around, we cast it all in, believing 
that the Lord would provide for our immediate wants. It was 
a cold windy day, and as we were returning from church, not 
more than five minutes after leaving it, a bit of paper blew at 
our feet. Judge of our surprise on looking at it to perceive a 
three dollar bill, which we could find no owner for. And thus 
we took it that the Lord sent us principle and interest. Let 
me assure my readers that it taught us to " Judge not the 
Lord by feeble sense, but to trust him for his promised grace, 
ever after. Will you do likewise ? Take him at his promises, 
" that to him that hath no mite. He increaseth strength." 
Faith in God is all that is needed to save the Union of the 
States ; of the families thereof. We feel assured that all that 
is needed for our salvation, as a united people, as well as our 
eternal salvation, is true abiding faith in God. God the 
Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit, Three in One. Let 
our rulers, one and all, unite with the people and ask wisdom 
of God, as did Solomon ; and who doubts God's promise that 
he will answer by bestowing it. When the heart is made con- 
trite before God, how easy is it to make our conduct right to- 
wards our fellow men. 

For the love you bear towards your wives and daughters, 
and your aged mothers^ who are powerless, comparatively with 
yourselves, we had almost said, — (yet not powerless are they 
in a right cause and with a right spirit, 'if they plead at His 



11 

footstool who is Almighty.) For He has promised to hear and 
to answer the prayer of faith. He has all power in heaven 
and in earth. Let us therefore, my sisters, beseech Him to 
save us as a nation. Let me entreat our brothers, also, to ask 
God for wisdom and direction, and thereby save to your loved 
ones the United States — the home of the free. It is a duty we 
owe to them to make every concession that God and conscience 
dictate ; to save this Uuion which our fathers have bought 
with the price of their own blood ; that we might enjoy its 
rich blessings — a free country. 

The power of the prayer of faith was strikingly manifested 
to us, on a passage from Europe to New York, in the winter 
of 185-. It was amidst discouragements sufficient to have 
crushed all hope of ever seeing the port of destination that the 
passage was made. The Captain of the ship had been sick in 
a foreign port, but was convalescent at the time of embarka- 
tion. His wife who was with him, secured the services of the 
mate of an American ship, to make tlie passage with them, 
and he was shipped as one of the crew, but he signed an 
agreement that she drew up, that he would do such duty as 
the Captain and ship most required. They had been out on 
their passage only ten days before the Captain was again seized 
with the malady which, to appearance, must certainly prove 
fatal. Quick as thought, the prayer ascended that he might 
be so far restored as to reach the port of destination — and 
that prayer was constantly going up, the prayer of faith ! was 
it answered ? Yes ! it was answered ! He reached his own 
home, but died shortly after. 

It was amidst storms and tempests the passage was made^ 
and on one occasion when the tempest was raging most fright- 
fully, at early dawn, (and it came on with such suddenness 
as to find the ship illy prepared for it — she having her sails all 
set) that the power of prayer was again manifest. The Capt.. 
was only able to stand up, with all the assistance his wife could 



12 

afford liim, but to the companion-way he would go, and as he 
looked out upon the scene, the ship lying almost on her beam 
ends, with all her sails set — oh the horrors of that moment — 
he exclaimed in the deepest anguish, we are lost ! we are lost ! 
At that moment the prayer of faith ascended — Lord, save, or 
we perish. The vessel righted. The Capt. revived, and ex- 
claimed, " the pumps ! we shall sink !" The water was rush- 
ing with great violence across the decks. But the men were 
all needed at the yards. " What can be done," says the wife. 
" Promise me that you will not attempt to rise," and address- 
ing the little children, " you keep watch that your father does 
not attempt to rise while I run forward, and in the name of 
the Captain, order the cook, steward and Consul passenger to 
the pumps. Which was immediately executed, and while the 
waves were washing over the decks she stood and saw it per- 
formed, — and whenever the Captain forgot his weakness, in 
bis eagerness to come forward to assist, and attempted to rise, 
those little watchers would cry out, " Mother! Mother !" and 
thus remind him of his weakness, and of his promise. 

Judge Story, of the Supreme Court of the United States, 
says, — The understanding is general, if not universal, that 
having beeii adopted by a majority of the people, the consti- 
tution of the State binds the whole commumty, proprie vifforCj 
(by its own innate power,) and is unalterable, unless by the 
consent of a majority of the people, or at least, by the quali- 
fied voters of the State, in the manner prescribed by the Con- 
stitution, or otherwise provided by the majority. No right ex- 
ists in any town or county, or any organized body within the 
State, short of the whole people of the State, to alter, sus- 
pend, resist, or disown the operations of that Constitution, or 
to wilhdraiv themselves from its jurisdiction. Much less is the 
compact supposed, liable to interruption, or suspension, or dis- 
solution, at the will of any private citizen, upon his own notion 
of its obligations or of any infringement of them by consti- 



13 

tuted authorities. The only redress for any such infringe- 
ments and the only guaranties of individual rights and prop- 
erty, are understood to consist in the peaceable appeal to the 
proper tribunals, constituted by the government for such pur- 
poses ; if these should fail, by the ultimate appeal to the justice 
and good sense of the majority. And according to Mr. Locke, 
is the true sense of the original compact, by which every indi- 
vidual has surrendered to the majority of the Society the 
right, permanently, to control and direct the operations of the 
government therein. Story^s Comm. vol. 1, p. 305. 

Mr. Rawle, a distinguished Commentator on the Constitu- 
tion of the United States, has given us the following remark- 
able passage : 

" It is not necessary that a Constitution should be in writ- 
ing ; but the superior advantages of one reduced to writing, 
over those resulting on traditionary information, or which are 
to be collected from rare acts and proceedings of the govern- 
ment itself, are great and manifest. A dependence on the 
latter, is indeed destructive of our main object of a Constitu- 
tion, which is to check and restrain Governors. If the people 
can only refer to the acts and proceedings of the government 
to ascertain their own rights, it is obvious, that as every such 
act may introduce a new principle, there can be no stability in 
the government. The order of things is inverted ; what ought 
to be the inferior, is placed above that which should be supe- 
rior, and the legislature is able to alter the Constitution at its 
pleasure." Rawle, on the Constitution, p. 16. 

Locke says : The legislature, being only a judiciary power, 
to act for certain ends, there remains still in the people a su- 
perior power to renew or alter the legislative when they find 
the legislative act contrary to the trust reposed in them. 

If they (the people) have set limits to the duration of their 
legislature, and made this supreme power in any person or 
assembly, only temporary ; or, else, when by the miscarriages 



14 

of those in authority, it is forfeited ; upon its forfeiture, oi' at 
the determination of the time set, it reverts to the society ; 
and the people have a right to act as supreme and continue the 
legislative in themselves, or erect a new form ; or under the 
old form, place it in new hands — as they think good. ( Ch. 
13, s. 147.) 

Justice Iredell, of the Supreme Court of the United States, 
in relation to the difference between the principles of our own 
government and those of Europe, (3d vol. Elliot's Debates') 
says : " Our governmens is founded on much nobler princi- 
ples. The people are known, with certainty, to have origi- 
nated in themselves. Those in power are their servants and 
agents. And the people, without their consent, may remodel 
the government whenever they think proper, not merely be- 
cause it is oppressively exercised, but because they think an- 
other form is more conducive to their welfare." (Story 
Co mm., vol. 1, 326.) 

Judge Patterson, in advocating the adoption of the Consti- 
tution of the United States, says : " The first question that 
offers itself is, whether the general form ajid aspect of the 
government be strictly republican. It is evident that no other 
form would be reconcilable with the genius of the people of 
America, with the fundamental principles of the revolution, 
or with that honorable determination which animates every 
votary of freedom, to rest all our political experiments on the 
capacity of mankind for self-government." (Federalist, No. 
39, p. 203. 

Hamilton says : " The fabric of the American empire ought 
to rest on the solid basis of the consent of the people. That 
streams of material power ought to flow immediately from that 
pure original fountain of all legitimate authority." (Federal- 
ist, No. 22, p. 119. 

Let us take a vote of the people of the State of Maine, and 
let a vote of the people of each State of this nation, be taken 



15 

to remedy the present evils, and see how quickly harmony will 
be restored and the Union preserved. Not one vote in this 
State, and we believe not one in any other State would be 
cast for the dissolution of the Union. If any one did vote for 
the dissolution of the Union in this State, we feel assured that 
his name would evermore be branded with that of Benedict 
Arnold, and his fate would surely follow him, also. Or of 
Judas, the betrayer of our blessed Redeemer, 

Judge Wilson, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the 
United States, and a member of the Convention which framed 
the Constitution, and a signer of the Declaration of Independ- 
ence, says : " The consequence of the sovereignty being vested 
in themselves is, that the people may change their constitu- 
tion whenever and however they please. This is a right of 
which no positive institution can deprive them." Again he 
says : " Of the right of a majority of tlie whole people to 
change their goveinment at will, there can be no doubt." 
1 Wilson, 418. 1 Tucker's Black. Comm. 168, cited 324 p., 
vol. 1 Story's Comm.. Again he says: "As to the people, 
however, in whom the sovereign power resides, the case is 
widely different, and stands upon widely different principles. 
From their authority the Constitution originates ; for their 
safety and felicity it is established. In their hands, it is as 
clay in those of the potter. They (the people) have a right to 
mould, preserve, refine, and finish it as they please." Works, 
vol. 4, p. 418. 

These important truths are far from being merely specular 
live ; we, at this moment, speak and deliberate under their 
immediate and benign influence. To the operation of these 
truths, we are to ascribe the scene, hitherto unparalleled, 
which America now exhibits to the world ; a gentle, a peace- 
ful, a voluntary, and a deliberate transfer from one constitu- 
tion of government to another, (from the Confederation to the 
Constitution of the United States.) In other parts of the 



16 

world, the idea of revolution in government, by a mournful 
and indissoluble association, is connected with the idea of wars 
and all the calamities attendant on wars. 

It seems, then, that revolution may be peaceful. But if we 
acknowledge the principles of American government and pro- 
pose to change their institutions and consider a change as pro- 
gressive steps in improving the knowledge of government, and 
increasing the happiness of society and mankind, we must con- 
sider that it can be accomplished only by the consent of a ma- 
jority of the people. No ri<^ht exists for revolution, to alter, 
suspend, resist or disown the operations of the Constitution, 
or to withdraw themselves from its jurisdiction. Much less is 
the compact supposed liable to interruption, or suspension, or 
dissolution at the will of any private citizen, upon his own no- 
tion of its obligations, or of any infringement of them by con- 
stituted authorities. The only redress for any such infringe- 
ments and the only guarantees of individual rights and prop- 
erty are understood to consist in the peaceable appeal to the 
proper tribunals, constituted by the government for such pur- 
poses. If they should fail, by the ultimate appeal to the justice 
and good sense of the majority. Take a vote of the citizens of 
all the States including those seceding States, and we doubt 
not for one moment the result will be an overwhelming 
majority in favor of the Union of the States, and the repeal 
of all obnoxious laws. Try the experiment, brethren. 

Oft have I viewed with silent pleasure and admiration, the 
force and prevalence through the United States, of this prin- 
ciple, that the supreme power resides in the people, and that 
they never part with it. It may be called the panacea in poli- 
tics. If the error be in the legislature, it may be corrected by 
the Constitution ; if in the Constitution,. it may be corrected 
by the people. There is a remedy, therefore, for every dis 
temper in government, if the people be not wanting to them- 



17 

selves. For a people wanting to themselves, there is no 
remedy. — Ibid. 

A proper regard to the original and inherent, and continued 
power of the society to change its Constitution, will prevent 
mistakes and mischiefs of a very different kind. It will pre- 
vent giddy inconstancy ; it will prevent unthinking rashness ; 
it will prevent unmanly languor. — Werks, vol. 1, p. 420. 

Luther Martin, Attorney General of Maryland, and one of 
the Delegates to the Convention of 1787, says : " Agreeahly 
to the Articles of Confederation, entered into in the most 
solemn manner, (and for the observance of which, the States 
pledged themselves in the most solemn manner to each other ;. 
and called upon the Supreme Being, as a witness and avenger 
between them), no alterations are to bo made in those Articles, 
unless after they are approved by Congress they are agreed to 
by the Legislature of every State ; but by the resolve of the 
Convention, this Constitution is not to be so ratified, but is to 
be submitted to Conventions chosen by the people ; and if 
ratified by them, is to be binding. 

The sovereign power itself is enshrined and vested in the 
people, and as such, the Article of Confederation was sub- 
mitted to Conventions chosen by the people and ratified by 
them, after they were agreed to by the Legislature of every 
State. The States pledged themselves in the most solemn 
manner to each other ; and called upon the Supreme Being: 
as a witness and avenger, that no alter a'ion.-i are to be made in 
those Articles. If the people when weighed in the balance,, 
are not found wanting in themselves, they can submit the 
present difficulties to Conventions chosen by themselves, and 
if ratified by them, is to be binding ; as did our fathers at the 
Convention of 1787. So may the people now do. We have- 
put in the widow's mite to save the Union of the States ; let 
each individual member of this great people do likewise, and 
we shall be saved. God grant that it may be thus saved ; by 



18 

the individual members of this great family, heretofore so 
united and blessed. 

To repress a short or harsh answer, to confess a fault and to 
stop (right or wrong) in the midst of self-defence, in gentle 
submission, sometimes requires a struggle like life and death ; 
but these three efforts are the golden threads with which do- 
mestic liappiness is woven. Once begin the fabric with thia 
woof, trials shall not break, nor sorrows tarnish it. It seems 
to have been clearly shown forth, that in our Government, the 
supreme, absolute, and uncontrolable power remains in the 
people. 

■Quarrels ensue instead of amendment. We brood over 
our failure and wonder at the perversity or mankind, not le- 
flecting that we have not put on that " Charity Avhich suffereth 
long, and is kind, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil." 
Nothing can be farther from the spirit of heaven than a stern, 
harsh, vindictive utterance of truth. We should ever remem- 
ber that we can ourselves only be assisted by one who mani- 
fests to us a spirit of kindness in his counsel. To an assailant 
we close up. We cannot bear our faults to be opposed by one, 
exposed by one who does it in a spirit of exultation and inso- 
lence. But we love the friendly hand w^iich has the brother's 
touch. We delight to see tlie dress not starched with prudery, 
but the truth softened and warmed by love Truth, without 
love, is cold, hard and unpitying, and therefore repulsive." 
Remember the charge of Joseph to his brethren, — " See that 
ye fall not out by the way." Noticing a fault, rudely, betrays 
the appearance of dislike, and wounds deeply. In the Union 
of the States, as in that most sacred of all human ties, the 
marriage Union, (and which Union the Catholic Bishop told 
his congregation Sabbath eve., could only be dissolved by death, 
when the rite was performed by their Church,) we should take 
kindly the opportunities of showing, that ours has not been 



Id 

selfish love by being forgetful of self and seeking the happi- 
ness of those we love. 

To assist and be assisted, is the object of the Union of th-e 
States, and of the marriage Union. Let us strive to preserve 
them till time is no more. 

This Confederation was quietly set aside by the people 
through their delegates in Congress, and was succeeded by the 
Constitution ; and the first quiet, bloodless revolution, of 
which the history of the world bears record, was effected. 
There stands the triumphant principle which the revolution 
established, confirmed by the seal of the first Congress, who, 
by their successful experiment, practically reaffirmed the 
truth, that it is the right of the people to alter or abolish their 
constitutions of government ; and showing by their own act, 
that such change might be effected peacefully. There stands 
our first great precedent, as it shone forth living from the 
hands of the sages of " 76." There it shall stand forever, aa 
an example to all future ages, showing that the great princi- 
ple for which we contend, is no more sublime in theory than 
safe and true in practice. 

We trust that the bands may yet embrace, in harmonioua 
Union, all the States, even the seceding States. " Speak the 
truth in love," said the Apostle. " Truth coming from a 
loving hand, firm but gentle, and sweet like the warm sun- 
beam, is welcome to all. 

Perhaps the neglect of it is the cause of more failures in 
delivering of well meant advice than any other circumstance.. 
We proceed to correct with the rough, stern hand of truth 
alone, and we encounter resistance. We are sure we are 
right, and we proceed to reproach and invectives. Against 
this people may it never be written as against an ancient 
King, " Thou art weighed in the balance and found wanting."" 
" Thy kingdom shall be divided." 

Rather let me advise my readers, whom we trust are all be- 



20 

lievers in Revelation, to read carefully and prayerfully the 4th 
chapter of Jeremiah. Act promptly upon the command of 
God, as given therein. Be God fearing and loving people. 
Let the voice of the people of this great nation speak thro' 
the ballot box, as it speaks for the election of all public offi- 
cers, and say, shall the subject of slavery, (for which the 
north bears no more responsibility before God and the world 
than one neighbor bears for the conduct of another, in his 
own domestic relations,) be dropped forever by them, and 
left to flow on undisturbed as the waters of the rivulet flows 
on to the river and in time becomes absorbed therein, and 
the country remain undivided, united, as our fathers pledged 
themselves by their n.ost solemn oaths before God and the 
world it should be, or say through tlie ballot box to the con^ 
trary. 

Attention, then, kind reader, and gentle patience, for the 
question which is now pending — shall this country remain 
united, or shall the Union be dissolved ? Speak quickly ! It 
is a question for the north to answer. "We 'iope and believe 
the people of the north will say. We are for Union ! God's 
love for this nation has been extraordinary. He has caused 
it to multiply as the bud of the field, and to be increased and 
waxing great. " And thy renoun went forth among the hea- 
then for thy beauty, for it was perfect through my comeli- 
ness which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord God." — Eze 
16 : 14, 7. " Return unto the Lord, then shalt thou not re- 
move, saith the Lord," 

Hereafter guard more carefully and punish more promptly 
the violation of the oath. To say nothing of the sin of its 
violation, but confine it to our liberty as a nation, and as in- 
dividuals, how indispensibly necessary is it, forming as it 
does the basis of our government, as it did also that of the 
Jews, that summary punishment should follow a violation of 
the oath. Let us contemplate for a moment the council of 



21 

the venerable seventy rulers of Israel, collected in the spa- 
cious hall of audience, sitting in the seat of Moses, to admin- 
ister justice according to the book of the law, and in the 
name of the Most High God, with Christ at the bar of the 
ecclesiasticle. Jesus bound ! Think of the Holy One of 
God arraigned as a criminal. The Judge of the world judg- 
ed by sinners ! Where was there ever a more outrageous 
contrast exhibited ! The council seek for witnesses against 
Jesus ! They seek because unsought nothing of the kind 
presents itself. They long to meet, in the garden of his life, 
with a single poisonous plant from which they may weave 
for him a fatal wreath. But a more fruitless undertaking was 
perhaps never attempted. A number of bribed witnesses are 
suborned, who strive to fasten one or other false accusation 
on the Holy One. But what is the result? They expose 
themselves, with those who hired them, in the most bare-faced 
manner, and serve only as a new foil to the inno- 
cence of the accused. They become confused and con- 
fute one another ! With a judiciary mien, which only par- 
tially covers his perplexity, the High Priest says to him, in an 
imperious tone, " Answerest thou nothing ?" But Jesus, we 
are told, " held his peace." How easy would it have been 
for him by a few words, to have most painfully exposed the 
august assembly ! But he honors in it, as before the powers 
ordained of God, of whatever injustice they may be guilty ; 
and viewing the matter thus, he deems it becoming him to 
hold his peace. His holding his peace is the reflection of a 
more mysterious silence, before another and higher than any 
human tribunal: and regarded from this point of view, it 
may be considered as a silence of confession and assent. 
Thus we see Jesus was betrayed, falsely accused and cruci- 
fied. Oh how it thrills the heart to read it ! Are our Courts 
guarded against false witnesses ? See ye to it. 



22 

We have cast in our influence to save the Union, the 
widow's mite. But if others can suggest better methods, we 
will cheerfully acquiesce in them. 

Let us say to the Union of the States, as they say to the 
Marriage Union. 

" Thy rise of fortnne did I only wed, 
From its decline dutermined to recede, 
Did I but purpose to embark with thee. 
On the smooth surface of a summer sea, 
While gentle zephyrs play in prosperous gales, 
And fortune's favor fills the swelling sails, 
But would forsake the bark and make the shore 
When the winds whistle, and the tempests roar ? 
No, States of the Union, no ! One sacred Oath has tied 
Our loves, one destiny our lives shall guide, 
Nor wild, nor deep our common way divide." 

In addition to what I have already said upon the subject, 
I will add, will it be necessary for the two houses of the 
British Parliament to pass an Act in conjunction with that 
of the will of her Majesty, Queen Victoria, and his Royal 
Highness Prince Albert, establishing the order of succession 
to the Crown, to their son the Prince of Wales ? And will 
it not also be necessary for them to pass an act legalizing the 
marriages that have taken place, and removing the law from 
their statute books that now annuls marriages ? 

The law places the mother under bonds to be guardian for 
her own child : what an anomaly would it present to the 
, world for the men of this Union of States to dissolve them, 
and cast themselves at the feet of the Queen of Great Brit- 
ain — a woman — for annexation to her government. Fie, fie 
on it. Be men ! true, active, energetic men, and govern 
yourselves and people, or else choose a woman from your 
own people to govern you. 

We did intend to extract largely from Thomas Jefferson's 
Notes on the State of Virginia^ written, in Virginia in 1781, 



23 

and somewhat corrected and enlarged in the winter of 1782, 
in answer to queries proposed to the author by a foreigner of 
distinction, but have not time or space for extensive ex- 
tracts. He says — " The following is an epitome : The Col- 
onies were taxed internally and externally — armed troops 
sent among them to enforce submission to their violence. 
They closed in the appeal to arms, and declared themselves 
independent States. They confederated together into one 
great republic, thus securing to every State the benefit of an 
union of their whole force. In each State separately a new 
form of government was established. We have before us 
the 'Articles agreed on and concluded at James Cittie in 
Virginia, for the surrendering and settling of that planta- 
tion, under the obedience and government of the Common- 
wealth of England, by the commission of the Council of 
State by authority, of the Parliament of England, and by 
the grand assembly of the Gov. Council and Burgesses of 
that country.' The 16thly reads, That the commissioners 
for the parliament subscribing these, engage themselves, and 
the honor of parliament for the full performance thereof, and 
that the present Gov. and the Council and the Burgesses do 
likewise subscribe and engage the whole collony on their 
parts." 

These Articles were signed and sealed by the Commiss- 
ioners of the Council of State for the Commonwealth of 
England, the 12;h day of March, 1651. Then follows an Act 
of indemnity made at the surrender of the country. It ends 
thus — And we do promise or declare further, by the authori- 
ty of Parliament and Commonwealth of England, derived 
unto us, their Commissioners, that according to the articles 
in general we have granted an act of indemnity and oblivion 
to all the inhabitants of this collony from all words, actions 
or writings, that have been .spoken, acted or writ, against the 



24 

parliament or commonwealth of England, or any other per- 
son from the beginning of the world to this daye." 

The Colony supposed that by this solemn convention en- 
tered into with arms in their hands, they had secured the an- 
cient limits of their country, its free trade, its exemption from 
taxation but by their own assembly, and exclusion from mil- 
itary force from among them. Yet in all points was this 
convention violated by subsequent Kings and Parliament. 
Their General Assembly, which was composed of the Coun- 
cil of State and Burgesses, sitting together and deciding by 
plurality of voices, was split into two houses, by which the 
council obtained a separate negative on their laws. Appeals 
from their Supreme Court, which had been fixed by law in 
their Genernl Assembly, were arbitrarily revoked to England 
to be there heard before the King and Council. Instead of 
four hundred miles on the sea coast, they were reduced in 
the space of thirty years, to about one hundred miles. Their 
trade with foreigners was totally suppressed, and when car- 
ried to Great Britain was there loaded with impost. 

But enough of that. He says with regard to laws, " ne- 
cessary alterations were made in the common law of Eng- 
land, and so much of the whole body of the British statutes 
and of Acts of the Assembly as were thought proper to be 
retained, were digested into 126 new acts, in which simplici- 
ty of style was aimed as far as was safe. Then follows the 
alterations made. With regard to slavery he says. To eman- 
cipate all slaves born after passing the Act. The bill report- 
ed by the revisors does not itself contain this proposition, 
but an amendment containing it was prepared, to be offered 
to the legislature whenever the bill should be taken up, and 
further directing that they should continue with their parents 
to a certain age, then be. brought up at the public expense, to 
tillage, arts or sciences, according to their geniuses, till the 
females should be eighteen, and the males tweenty-one years 



25 - 

of age, when they should be colonized to such place aa the 
circumstances of the time should render most proper, sending 
them out with arms, implements of household and handi- 
craft arts, seeds, pairs of the useful domestic animals, &c., to 
declare thsm a free and independent people, and extend to 
them our alliance and protection till they have acquired 
strength ; and to send vessels at the same time to other parts 
of the world for an equal number of whit :; inhabitants ; to 
induce whom to migrate hither, proper encouragement were 
to be proposed. It will probably be asked, "Why not retain 
and incorporate the blacks into the state, and thus save tha 
expense of supplying by importation of white settlers, the va- 
oancies they will leave 1 Deep rooted prejudices entertained 
by the whites ; ten thousand recollections, by the blacks, of 
the injuries they have sustained ; new provocations ; the real 
distinctions which nature has made ; and many other circum- 
stances, will divide us into parties, and produce convulsions,, 
which will probably never end but in the extermination of the 
one or the other race. 

To these objections, which are political, maybe added oth- 
ers, which are physical and moral. The first difference which 
strikes us is that of color. Whether the black of the negro 
resides in the reticular membrane between the skin and scarf- 
skin, or in the scarf-skin itself; whether it proceeds from the 
color of the bloody the color of the bile, or from that of some 
other sc cretion, the difference is fixed in nature, and is as real 
as if its seat and cause were better known to us. And is this 
difference of no importance ? Is it not the foundation of a 
greater or less share of beauty in the two races ? Are not the 
fine mixtures of red and white, the expressions of every pas- 
sion by greater or less suffusions of color in the one, prefera- 
ble, to that eternal monotony, which reigns in the counte- 
nances, that immoveable veil of black which covers all the 
emotions of the other race ? Add to these, flowing hair, a 



26 

more elegant symmetry of form, their own judgment in favor 
of the whites, declared by the preference of them, as un- 
formly as is the preference of the Oranootan for the black wo- 
men over those of his own species. The circumstance of su- 
perior beauty, is thought worthy attention in the propagation 
of our horses, dogs, and other domestic animals; why not in 
that of man ? Besides those of color, figure, and hair, there 
are other physical distinctions proving a difference of race. 
They have less hair on the face and body. They secrete less 
by the kidneys, and more by the glands of the skin, which 
gives them a very strong and disagreeable odor. The greater 
degree of transpiration renders them more tolerant of heat, 
and less so of cold than the whites. Perhaps too a difference 
of structure in the pulmonary apparatus, which a late ingen- 
ious experimentalist has discovered to be the principal regu- 
lator ot animal heat, may have disabled them from extricating, 
in the act of inspiration, so much of that fluid from the outer 
air, or obliged them in expiration to part with more of it. 
They seem to require less sleep. A black, after hard labor 
through the day, will be induced by the slightest amusements 
to sit up till midnight, or later though knowing he must be out 
with the first dawn of the morning. They are at least as 
brave and more adventuresome. But this may perhaps pro- 
ceed from a want of forethought, which prevents their seeing 
a danger till it be present. When present, they do not go 
through it with more coolness or steadiness than the whites. 
They are more ardent after their female ; but love seems with 
them to be more an eager desire, than a tender delicate mix- 
ture of sentiment and sensation. Their griefs are transient. 
Those numberless afflictions, which render it doubtful whether 
heaven has given life to us in mercy or in wrath, are less felt, 
and sooner forgotten with them. In general, their existence 
appears to participate more of sensation than rt flection. To 
this must be ascribed their disposition to sleep when abstract- 



27 ■ ■ ' 

ed from their diversions, and unemployed in labor. An ani- 
mal whose body is at rest, and who does not reflect, must be 
disposed to sleep of course. Comparing them by their fac- 
ulties of memory, reason and imagination, it appears to me 
that in memory they are equal to the whites ; in reason, much 
inferior, as I think one could scarcely be found capable of 
tracing and comprehending the investigations of Euclid ; 
and that in imagination they are dull, testacies, and anoma- 
lous. It would be unfair to follow them to Africa for this in- 
vestigation. We will consider them here, on the same stage 
with the whites, and where the facts are not apocryphal on 
which a judgment is to be formed. It will be right to make 
great allowance for the difference of condition, of education, 
of conversation, of the sphere in which they move. Many 
millions of them have been brought to, and born in America. 
Most of them indeed have been confined to tillage, to their 
own homes, and their own society ; yet many have been so 
situated, that they might have availed themselves of the con- 
versation of their masters ; many have been brought up to 
the handicraft arts, and from that circumstance have always 
been asssociated with the whites. Some have been liberally 
educated, and all have lived in countries where the arts and 
sciences are cultivated to a considerable degree, and have had 
before their eyes samples of the best works from abroad. The 
Indians, with no advantages of this kind, will often carve 
figures on their pipes not destitute of design and merit. They 
will crayon out an animal, a plant, or a country, so as to prove 
the existence of a germ in their minds which only wants cul- 
tivation. They astonish you with strokes of the most sub- 
lime oratory ; such as prove their reason and sentiment 
strong, their imagination glowing and elevated. But never 
yet could I find a black that had uttered a thought above the 
level of plain narration ; never see even an elementary trait 
of painting or sculpture. In music they are more generally 



2g 

gifted than the whites with accurale ears for tune and time^ 
and they have been found capable ot imagining a small 
catch.* Whether they will be equal to the composition of a 
more extensive run of melody, or of complicated harmony, 
is yet to be proved. Misery is often the parent of the most 
affecting touches in poetry. Among the blacks is misery 
enough, God knows, but no poetry. Love is the peculiar 
oestrum of the poet. Their love is ardent, but it kindles the 
senses only, not the imagination. 

The improvement of the blacks, in body and mind, in the 
first instance of their mixture with the whites, has been ob- 
served by every one, and proves that their inferiority is not 
the effect merely of their condition of life. We know that 
among the Romans, about the Augustan age especially, the 
condition of their slaves was much more deplorable than that 
of the blacks on the continent of America. It was the com- 
mon practice to expose, in the island ^sculapius, in the Ty 
ber, diseased slaves, whose cure was like to become tedious* 
The emperor Claudius, by an edict, gave freedom to such of 
them as should recover, and first declare that if any person 
chose to kill rather than expose them, it should be deemed 
homicide. The exposing them is a crime of which no in- 
stance has existed with us ; and were it to be followed by 
death, it would be punished capitally. We are told of a cer- 
tain Tedius Pollio, who, in the presence of Augustus, would 
have given a slave as food to his fish, for having broken a 
glass! With the Romans, the regular method of taking the 
evidence of their slaves were under torture. Here it has 
been thought better never to resort to their evidence. When 
a master was murdered, all his slaves, in the same house, or 
within hearing, were condemned to death. Here punishment 

* The instrument proper to them is the Banjo, which they brought hither from 
Africa, and which is the original of the guitar, its chords being precisely the four 
lower chords of the guitar. 



29 

talis on the guilty only, and as precise proof is required 
against him as against a freeman. Yet notwithstanding 
these and oth'^r discouraging circumstances among the Ro- 
mans, their slaves were often their rarest artists. They ex- 
celled too in science, inasmuch as to be usually employed as 
tutors to their master's children. It is not their condition 
then, but nature, which has produced the distinction. 

Whether further observation wiU or will not verify the 
conjecture, that nature has been less bountiful to them in the 
endowments of the head, I believe that in those of the heart 
she will be found to have done them justice. That disposi- 
tion to theft with which they have been branded, must be as- 
cribed to their situation, and not to any depravity of the 
moral sense. The man, in whose favor no laws of property 
exists, probably feels himself less bound to respect those 
made in favor of others. When arguing for ourselves,we lay it 
down as a fundamental, that laws, to be just, must give a 
reciprocation of right ; that without this they are mere arbi- 
trary rules of conduct, founded in force and not in conscience : 
and it is a problem which I give the master to solve, wheth- 
er the religious precepts against the violation of property 
were not framed for him as well as the slave ? And whether 
the slave may not as justifiably take a little from one, who 
. has taken all from him, as he would slay one who would slay 
him ? That a change in the relations in which a man is 
placed should change his idea of moral right and wrong, is 
neither new, nor peculiar to the color of the blacks. Homer 
tells us it was so 2600 years ago. 

Jove fixed it certain, that whatever day 
Makes man a slave, takes half his worth away. 

But the slaves of which Homer speaks were whites. Not- 
withstanding these considerations which must weaken their 
respect for the laws of property, we find among them numer- 



80 

ous instances of the most rigid integrity, and as many as 
among their better instructed masters, of benevolence, grati- 
tude, and unshaken fidelity. The opinion that they are in- 
ferior in the faculties of reason and imagination, must be 
hazarded with great diffidence. "To justify a general conclu- 
aion, requires many observations, even where the subject may 
be submitted to the anatomical knife, to opticle classes, to 
analysis by fire, or by solvents. How much more then where 
it is a faculty, not a substance, we are examining ; where it 
eludes the research of all the senses ; where the condition of 
its existence are various and variously combined ; where the 
effects of those which are present or absent bid defiance to 
calculation ; let me add too, as a circumstance of great ten- 
derness, where our conclusions would degrade a whole race 
of men from the rank in the scale of beings which our Cre- 
ator may perhaps have given them. To our reproach it must 
be said, that though for a century and a half we have had 
under our eyes the races of black and of red men, they have 
never yet been viewed by us as subjects of natural history, 
I advance it therefore as a suspicion only, that the blacks, 
whether originally a distinct race, or made distinct by time* 
and circumstanccH, are inferior to the whites in the endow- 
ments both of body and mind. It is not against experience 
to suppose, that different species of the same genius, or vari- 
eties of the same species, may possess different qualifica- 
tions. "Will not a lover of natural history then, one who 
views the gradations in all the races of animals with the eye 
of philosophy, excuse an effort to keep those in the depart- 
ment of man as distinct as nature has formed them ? This 
unfortunate difference of color, and perhaps of faculty, is a 
powerful obstacle to the emancipation of these people. Many 
of their advocates, while they wish to vindicate the liberty of 
human nature are anxious also to preserve its dignity and 
beauty. Some of these, embarrassed by the question/ What 



31 

further is to be done with them ! Join themselves in oppo- 
sition with those who are actuated by sordid avarice only. 
Among the Romans emancipation required but one effort. 
The slave, when made free, might mix with, without staining 
the blood of his master. But with us a second is necessary, 
unknown to history. When freed, he is to be removed be- 
yond the reach of mixture." 

Gentle reader, bear in mind that our blessed redeemer 
taught us by his own example and precept, to suffer, or per- 
mit the state of things, evil or otherwise, to be so now. 
Speaking to John, who objected to obeying our Lord's com- 
mands, from a view of his unworthiness, He said, " suffer it 
to be so now, for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteous- 
ness. Then he suffered him." He says likewise to us, " let 
the wheat and the tares grow together until the harvest." 
Will we suffer it ? Let the slaves remain as they are, — let 
them go into the territories, — make no talk or compromises 
north or south, but each man stand at the door of his own 
heart and his own household, and see to guard it carefully 
that no obtruder enters therein to mar and divide that holy 
sanctuary. Don't let us be looking at our daily papers as 
soon as we arise, to see if the Union of the States and the 
union of families have been dissolved during the last twenty- 
four hours, but rather put from us obnoxious laws, and be 
once more a united, happy, loving band, one household. 

Let us contemplate for one moment, man, deprived of rea- 
son by his Maker, or by his passions, and what is more fear- 
ful or more to be dreaded ? Is our nation bordering on to it? 
Reflect. The second, sober thought of the American people 
has always produced good results. God grant that it may 
be the case now, and that the seceeding States may all come 
into 1 armony and union, and thus remain until time shall be 
no more. 

We can all readily understand with how much more ease 



32 

a parent can quell a family affair without the aid of neigh- 
bors than with. And with how much more ease he can re- 
move evil therefrom, and rectify what is needed. So with 
Slavery. Let it alone and the South will rectify in its own 
time all the evil that arises therefrom; as their good judg- 
ment may and will dictate. 

Jefferson says : It is the manner and spirit of the people 
which preserve a republican vigor. A regeneracy in these, is 
a canker which soon eats to the heart of its laws and consti- 
tution. Secret organizations should be discouraged in a free 
country. 

We have assumed from the first, that our readers are all 
believers in revelation. Let us therefore dwell a while longer 
on the great confession of Christ at the Judgment Hall of 
the Sanhedrim. The false witnesses have acted their part 
most wretchedly and stand unmasked. The sublime bearing 
of the accused, expressive only of innocence, completely 
paralyzes his adversaries. There the proud hiearch sits, and 
his thoughts take tumultuous counsel how the difficulty may 
be overcome, and how he may escape from the pressure. 
Such is the end of the Judicial proceedure. The perplexity 
of the High Priest is great. He must give the affair another 
turn. But of what kind ? The hierarch convulsively snatches 
up his fallen dignity, and with the gravity of his office sol- 
emnly steps forward a few paces, and makes known his inten- 
tion to cite the accused before the throne of the Almighty. 
Think of a testimony on oath by Jesus respecting himself I 
The High Priest re-assuming all his dignity, opens his mouth 
to utter the sublimest of all questions. 

I adjure thee, says he, by the living God, that thou tell us 
whether thou be the Christ, the Son of the Blessed. He made 
use of the legal form customary in Israel. The person seems 
answered without repeating the form itself, with a single 
" yes I" or " no," being conscious at the same time that the 



33 

answer he gave, if it deviated from the truth, would be pun- 
ished by the High and Lofty One who had been invoked as 
a witness, with his righteous displeasure, and the loss of eter- 
nal salvation. The High Priest thus solemnly calls upon 
Jesus, as it were for his ci-edentials while making the basis of 
the entire Christian as the object of his inquiry. 

To what is Jesus to swear ? Whether he is the Christ — 
that is the Messiah. Caiphas indicates by that name, the ob- 
jects of prophecy and comprehends in it all the promises and 
types of the Old Testament, out of which a sublime form as- 
cends, who as Prophet, is to bring down the light of eternity 
to the earth ; as High Priest, to give his own life as an atone- 
ment for the sins of the world ; and as King, to establish an 
everlasting kingdom of grace and peace. This dignified 
Being is called the " Lord's Anointed,'* or " Christ." But 
Caiphas knows that this Christ will be a man, and yet at the 
same time the Lord Most High. He knows that the Mes- 
siah will be the Son of God. He will not only be like Jeho- 
vah, but Jehovah's equal, and thus really God. From this 
sublime point of view Caiphas asks, " Art thou he ?" and 
believes that in Jesus affirming it, he will be justified in pro- 
nouncing him a blasphemer, and as such condemning him to 
death. What a momentous question ! What would have 
been the consequence had an answer in the negative ensued ? 
What mercy would then have been the portion of the sinful 
race of man ? We are aware of the astonishing miraclea 
by which Jesus had magnified himself. At the bier of the- 
young man|of Nain, and at the grave of Lazarus. We have- 
seen Him in the endangered vessel, when the rage of the ele- 
ments ceased at his beck, and on the stormy lake where the 
waves became firm beneath his feet and spread a crystal car- 
pet for the King of Nature. We heard him say, " He that 
hath seen me hath seen the Father also," for " I and the 
Father are one ;" and " Before Abraham was. I am," Who 



34 

is a God like unto our God ? Fear him, obey him, and for- 
get not to keep or pay to him thy vows, and be saved. Out 
Lord says, " Whatsoever ye bind on earth shall be boand in 
heaven." The vow to keep the Union of the States, and the 
vow to keep the Family Union, until time shall be no more, 
are alike registered and bound in heaven. Think of that 
vow. May we be enabled, by Divine aid, to perform unto 
the Lord our vows. 

Let us examine the constitutionality of the Personal Liber- 
ty Laws. The venerable John Quincy Adams has said that 
the Declaration of Independence was a social compact by which 
the whole people covenanted with each citizen, and each citi* 
zen with the whole people. The good of the governed is the 
end of government. Plato's opinion on this point, speaking of 
a good prince, he says : He neither thinks nor commands what 
may advance his own private interest ; but what may promote 
the benefit of his subjects, and whatever he says or does is 
done for their advantage. Puflfendorf, speaking on the same 
subject, Book 8, Sec. 2, says, " And therefore they (rulers) 
ought to esteem nothing as contributing to their own private 
or personal good, which is not at the same time profitable to 
the Commonwealth." Mr. Pitman says ; " The citizen owes 
allegiance to the government, the government owes protection 
to the citizen." These duties and the rights that grow out of 
them are reciprocal. He goes on to show, that if the citizen 
makes war upon the goverEment, it is treason. Can we find a 
justification for a law which, if carried to its consequences, will 
terminate the State itself, as one of the States of the Union ? 
This will apply equally to the law which annuls the marriage 
contract by limiting " All my worldly. goods, to a "dower," 
which signifies nothing, comparatively speaking. How can a 
law be true in theory and false in practice ? What is a theo- 
retical principle which admits of no practical application ? It 
can be nothing more than a nonentity. Truth is true, and all 



beside is false ; and there can be no theory which will not bear 
the application of practice. What is law? Tho Reviewer of 
Montesquieu says, " it means a rule of action prescribed by an 
authority invested with competent power, and a right so to 
do." (What right has the State to enact laws that will con- 
flict with the oaths of allegiance to the Constitution, and des- 
troy its union with the States, and destroy their union with 
their partners, or companions, in the marriage union ?) This 
idea of law comprehends that of penalty, consequent of an in- 
fraction of a tribunal which determines the penalty, and a phy- 
sical force to put it into execution. Think ye that the law 
has the right to inflict a penalty on the wife who should fail 
to render to the apprisals of a deceased husband's estate, as 
his, and to be heired by his nephew or niece instead of herself,, 
property that she received from her own parents, and proper- 
ty that she had assisted her husband to accumulate ? Think 
you it io just and right for an administrator (a partner in busi- 
ness), to take possession of thousands of dollars from the wid- 
ow and keep it a year or more for his own benefit, and leave 
the widow with her little ones penniless, from a power impart- 
ed by a stranger called a Judge of Probate, who is empowered 
by law and they have the privilege of settling the acts to suit 
themselves, where there is only their o^n account to settle ? 
and if any should remain, the widow can have a right of dower 
therein only ? Locke says : " A man, as has been proved, 
cannot subject himself to the arbitrary power of another, and 
having in a state of nature no arbitrary power over the life^ 
liberty, or possessions of another, but only so much as the law 
of nature gave him for the preservation of himself and the rest 
of mankind ; this is all he doth or can give up to the commun- 
ity, and by it to the legislative power, so that the Legislature 
can have no more than this. Their power in the utmost bounds 
of it is limited to the public good of society. It is a power 
that can have no other end but preservation, and therefore can 



36 

never have a right to destroy, enslave, or designedly injure the 
subjects. " The obligations of the law of nature," says Locke, 
" cease not in society, but only in many cases are drawn closer, 
and have by human laws known penalties annexed to them to 
enforce their observation." Thus the laws of nature stand as 
the eternal rule to legislators, as well as to others. The 
rules that they make for other men's actions must, as well as 
their own, be conformable to the law of . nature — that is, to 
the will of God, of which that is a declaration; and the funda* 
mental law of natui-e, being the preservation of mankind, no 
human sanction can be good against it. In the law of nations, 
the law of nature is included — included, but not annihilated. 
Mr. Hamilton, speaking of the introduction of Bills of Rights, 
(which include Personal Liberty Bills, and Rights of Dower), 
into State Constitutions says : " It is evident therefore, that 
according to their primitive signification (abridgments of pre- 
rogative in favor of privilege), they have no application to 
constitutions professedly founded upon the power of the peo- 
ple and executed by their immediate representatives and ser- 
vants. Here in strictness the people surrendered nothing, 
and as they retain everything, they have no need of particular 
reservations. Madison replied to certain cavilers that had 
objected to the Convention that framed the Constitution of 
the United States, on the ground of their having transcended 
the powers with which they were entrusted, strenuously ad- 
vocates a disregard of the Articles of Confederation ; or, in 
other words, that the end should not be sacrificed to the 
means. After very ably suotaining this point, he says : " In 
all great changes of established governments, forms ought 
to give way to substances, that a rigid adherence in such 
cases, the former would render nominal and nugatory the 
transcendant and special right of the people to " alter" or 
abolish their governments as to them shall seeni most likely to 
eflfect their safety and happiness ; since it is impossible for 



37 

the people, spontaneously and universally, to move in concert 
towards that object ; and it is^ therefore, essential that such 
changes be instituted by some informal and unauthorized prop- 
ositions made by some patriotic and respectable citizen or 
citizens. It was by this irregular and assumed privilege, of 
proposing to the people plans for their safety and happiness, 
that the States were first united against the danger with which 
they were threatened by their ancient government j that Com- 
mittees and Congresses were formed for concentrating their 
efforts and defending their rights, and that conventions were 
elected in the several States for establishing the Constitution 
under which they are now governed ; nor could it have been 
forgotten that no little, ill-timed scruples, no zeal for adhering 
to ordinary forms were anywhere seen, except in those who 
wished to indulge, under these masks, their secret enmity to 
the substance contended for. They must have borne in mind, 
that as the plan to be framed and proposed was to be submit- 
ted to the people themselves -— the disapprobation of this su- 
preme authority would destroy it forever, its approbation blot 
out all antecedent errors and irregularities. 

Shall we, as a people, adhere to forms, in the shape of lib- 
erty bills, and rights of dower, and thereby lose the sub- 
stance, — the union of States, and the union of families there 
of? It seems then, that the original Congresses and Conven- 
tions of the United States were formed by an " irregular and 
assumed privilege." Who among our northern citizens will 
now volunteer to assume the privilege of submitting a Plan 
to the People to save the Union ? The writer's plan would 
be, to let the government of the United States, and the gov- 
ernment of each State, remain as at the beginning. If a State, 
through the people, see fit to change their own Constitution 
and laws, they have that right to do thus. But we can see no 
right one State has over another State, more than we can the 
right of a neighbor to interfere with another's, in his domestic 



38 

relations. Do not, therefore, longer contend for forms, but 
embrace substance, and then surely the union of States and 
the union of families are both preserved. Who says aye I 
Take a vote. I hear aye ! aye ! from all quarters, without a 
dissenter. Well 1 we pronounce it a vote 1 ! I The union of 
both States and families are saved I I Preserved for all time, 
as designed by their framers from the beginning. The only 
laws the young couple know, or recognize, when they enter the 
union of marriage, is the law of love, and a reciprocation of 
kindness to each other. And as one they strive to build up 
an edifice which shall perpetuate, to coming generations, a last- 
ing memento of their names and works. Shall that tender, 
loving being be deprived of her equal rights in the works of her 
own hands, after struggling with poverty, and sickness, and 
self-denial, by a/orm of law, without substance ? Shall the 
substance, which as an help-meet with her husband, and the 
substance she brought to her husband to rear that edifice, be 
snatched from her and given to others ? Shall she have no 
right over her children,' but be placed under bonds to their 
guardian, as any stranger would be, and even denied that priv- 
ilege, if she claimed the privilege, that a foe may have, viz : — 
that of administering on the estate ? For the Lord's sake, 
(who is angry with the wicked every day), and for the sake of 
humanity, begin here at home, in the Northern States, to set 
your own houses in order. Don't delay another day, we be- 
seech you. We see by your glistening eyes, gentlemen, that 
you are ready for the question, — shall the marriage union, as 
instituted by our Lord, in the garden of Eden, where He pro- 
nounced our first parents one flesh, and our first mother. Eve, 
the mother of all living, which included all Adam's possessions. 
Our Lord having given him, to possess and to name, every liv- 
ing thing. And as also ratified by the marriage contract, " with 
the ring I wed thee, and with all my worldly goods I endow 
thee," in the name of the Holy Trinity. We say, again, we 



39 

know you are now ready for the above questions, now for the 
vote. We hear nothing but aye ! aye ! from all quarters of 
the Union of States, (which we have just cemented with your 
votes) ; well, then we pronounce it a vote — that the union of 
families shall be preserved through all times ! even until 
death, shall the husband love, cherish, and protect, and the 
wife, honor, love, and obey her husband. Can anything more 
be said or done, or is any more needed, now that the people 
have spoken ? Why yes ! blot out the writing from your stat 
ute books, that the remembrance of them may not be left to 
disgrace the name dlfk people who profess to love God, and 
to obey His commandments. He has said, Children obey your 
parents. Honor thy father and thy Mother, with a first promise 
viz : — " that it shall well with thee, and thou mayst live long on 
the earth.^' Forget not to perform unto the Lord thy vows 1 ! 
God is not so far off but what he takes cognizance of a viola- 
tion of them; as also of every other false act. Blot out the 
form, the law which conflicts with the oath of allegiance to the 
Union of States and the Union of Families, and see what bless- 
ed results will flow therefrom. We could specify them ; but we 
leave it for you. We seem at this moment standing on an 
eminence which overlooks the whitening harvest; the good 
results flowing from the votes of the people to preserve the 
Union of States and families as set forth, in this pamphlet, but 
we have no time to enlarge, we must hasten and do quickly our 
work ere the day be passed. 

Jefferson says it is not only the right, but the duty of those 
now on the stage of action, to change the laws and institutions 
of government to keep pace with the progress of knowledge, 
the light of science, and the amelioration of the condition of so* 
ciety, nothing is considered unchangeable but the inherent and 
inalienable rights of men " and women." 

It will be seen by the readers of 4th Sec. of the 4th Art. of 
the Constitution of the U. S., and portions of the acts of Con* 



40 

gress approved Feb. 28, 1795, also a portion of the act of 
March 3d, 1807, that no power is vested in the Executive of 
the United States to anticipate insurrectionary movements 
against the Government, so as to sanction the interposition of 
military authority, but that there must be an actual insurrection 
manifested by lawless assemblages of the people. 

We speak with all the deference due to the position and 
exalted virtues of her Majesty Queen Victoria, whose virtues 
we so much admire, that we would fain strive to imitate, 
and have all our sisters strive to imitate. Still we think it 
an anomaly for the men of this great nation, and those who 
have sought an asylum among us, to cast themselves at the 
feet of a woman, — the Queen of the very nation our fathers 
pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honors, that 
they would be freed from ; because of their oppression. 
Then again the women of this nation will surely feel slighted 
to be overlooked in the establishment of a Crown, to have 
the gems added to one that already has sufficient, by the ap- 
proval of the citizens of this State. 

With the forbearance of men, in the strength that holdeth 
passion in subjection to itself, urging always that Truth and 
Right must finally prevail, bear ye awhile with insult, or in- 
dignities, and accustom not yourselves to use your will ; as 
your right hand, and your reason ; as your left. Then har- 
mony will be perfectly restored throughout our borders. And 
hereafter watch and guard more carefully your liberties as a 
people. 

As we have decided to sustain the Union by the vote of all 
parties. North, South, East and West, and have fully proved, 
by Jefferson and others, that the decision of the majority is 
the vital principle of Republics, from which there is no ap- 
peal ; it seems superfluous to enlarge, or enforce any longer 
upon that point ; but we wish to show you the danger that 
has lurked about us. Now, gentlemen, what would have 



^1 

been the consequences ? And what would our Fathers have 
said, to have seen their sons appreciate so little their toils and 
sufferings, and blood, to secure to us our independence ; to 
have to throw it all aside, and no longer celebrate the 4th 
of July, the birth-day of our independence, but living volun- 
tarily under the red flag of the British. We know there are 
many excellent people among us, frOm the British dominions. 
Let America, then, still continue to be the Nursing-mother 
of Nations. Let the poor and the oppressed of every clime 
flock to her wide-stretched arms. — These were the almost dy 
ing words of my aged Father— as he stretched out his arm* 
he exclaimed, « Oh that I had the power thus to embrace the 
whole world and make them happy." 

We have said that it might be worth while to inquipe what 
consequences would have followed a disunion. We stood 
upon the brink of an awful gulf. We were about to take 
the leap, and felt some anxiety to look down into it and ob- 
tain a glimpse of what sort of a tartarus it was, into which 
we were about to make the final plunge. 

Let us examine how much combustible material there is in 
this wide-spread Union. How many daring and reckless ad- 
venturers of all sorts. Gentlemen, it is the faith of the un- 
tutored savage, that certain birds of the air and beasts of the 
desert are endowed with something like a foreknowledge of 
a coming banquet which human strife is to provide ; and that 
some days, in anticipation of the event, they come from all 
quarters to await the carnage. But we will not enlarge or 
specify. They would be sufficient to send a thrill of horror 
through the heart of every man, woman and child in this 
country. 

We have already taken the vote of the whole people and 
have said to the North, give up, and to the South, keep not 
back ; it may not be out of place however, to speak of a Con- 
vention of the people of all the States. We have shown that 



42 



the people are the sovereign rulers, and that they have a right 
to assemble to consult upon the public welfare ; a right to 
give instructions to their Senators and Representatives, and 
a right to apply to those invested with the powers of govern- 
ment for redress of grievances, for the repeal of injurious 
laws, for the correction of faults of administration, and for 
all other purposes. We would suggest that a mass Conven- 
tion of the people be called immediately in every State 
throughout the country, and the people speak for themselves 
and say, — Shall not the Union of the States be preserved ? 
Will not the North give up and the South keep not back, but 
bring their sons from far and their daughters from the four 
quarters of the nation. And thus honor the works of their 
Fathers, and claim the promise " that they might live long 
in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." Resolving 
that they will disclaim all action with, or for, any political 
party in this great question of the preservation of the Union, 
reserving to themselves, individually, their own opinions on 
all matters of State and National politics, which they call 
upon no man to sacrifice, and that heartily invite the earnest 
co-operation of men of all political parties, in the cause 
which they have at heart, and which we believe to be the 
cause of God and humanity. Robert Hall says the people 
have always the right to new model their government and set 
aside their rulers. No human power can have any preten- 
sions to intercept its exercise. For civil rulers cannot be con- 
sidered as having any claims that are coextended with those 
of the people, nor as forming a party separate from the na- 
tion. They are appointed by the community to execute its 
will, not to oppose it ; they cannot bind the Society itself, cr 
prevent it, when it shall think proper, from forming an entire 
new arrangement ; — a right that no compact can alienate, or 
diminish, and which has been exerted as often as a free gov- 
ernment had been formed. 



43 

We have discharged our duty in the call of a convention 
of the whole people, in every State, embracing those of the 
seceeding States, to provide for the attainment and security 
of the union of States. The first proposal we should make 
would be for all the seceeding States to harmonise again with 
their sister States, and the remaining States to remove all 
obnoxious laws, and every form, and cleave to the substance, 
viz : the preservation of the Union. 

Let all things remain as they are — make no line of divis- 
ion, but let the South remove in their own time and manner 
their own domestic troubles, as suggested by Jefferson. We 
trust there will be no necessity for repeating the injunction of 
Joseph to his brethren, " see that ye fall not out by the way." 
As well might a sane man insist to his wife that he has a 
right to chop oft his right hand, or his own head, and leave 
her to provide for all his responsibilities, as for the States to 
seceed or consent to it. Take a trip in a sailing vessel 
across the ocean, and see with what joy you espy the flag of 
our Union on the deep blue waters. Especially after the 
hardships of boisterous weather, and no sun visable to take 
an observation. How joyfully you exchange signals to hear 
from home — the United States. It matters not from which 
State, provided she belongs to the United States. How 
different are your feelings if she raises the standard of any 
other nation, even though they speak the same language. 

We have hastily thrown these ideas together, thinking 
each day that we sent to the printer, the last page at the 24th, 
and yet we have found each day something else to add, and 
now had we the time and power, we could enlarge and cor- 
rect it. But we throw it as it is, with all its faults, before an 
enlightened community, and invite and beseech each indi- 
vidual, be his talents one or two, to assist in his own way to 
preserve the Union of the States. 



Editor Eastern Argui—YcKterday^i Argns contained 
an article from the Journal oi Commerce from Que- 
rist headed "Is it to slavery, or to auti slavery we 

cwo our national troubles." "As a correct answer to 
t lis question is of immense and vital importance just 
now," permit me throuffh your columns to give the 
Ijliowing answer. And I leel assurLd that I have de. 
rived the answer from the fjreat lountain of wiedom 
viz: The word of God. It is to. a violation of the 
oath to support the Constitution of the U. States, as 
our fathers pledged themselves it should be support- 
ed, that we owe cur pressnt national troubles. When 
our States combined together under one Government 
they came into Union, each with all the imperfect 
Ions und wrongs it had tolerated. They took each 
other for better or worwe, with a clear understanding 
of what they took. The North has sinned, inasmuch 
as they have not kept inviolate the constutional 
pledges of our lathf rs, for the North bears no respon- 
sibility before God and the world lor slavery at the 
South. Junge Story says the understanding is gen- 
eral, it not universal, that ha.ving been adopted by a 
majority ol the people, the Constitution of the State 
binds the whole community, proprit vigorie,{hy ita 
own innate power,) and is unalterable unless by a 
consent of a majority of the people, or at least by ti-.o 
qualifitd voters of the State in the manner presciibed 
by the Constitution, or o'herwise pre-ciibfed by the 
majority. Let the people perlorm unto the Lord 
their vows, viz: support the Constitunon of the Uni- 
ted States and the war will cease; othei wi^e the war 
will continue. As well may public men attempt to 
step the sun's revolving ou its axis, ae to stop effects 
following causes. Not ten years hence the question 
above will be asked respecting family government? 
and the hame answer will be given, viz- perform un- 
to the Lord thy vows-support the Constitution of 
the United States. The Constitution reads that no 
State shall pHSs a law impairing the obligations of 
contract,'^ The husband at the altar takes a vow to 
love, cherish and protect, for better or worse, until 
death, the wife of hi,s bosom. Ue also endows her 
wit.'i all hi f worldly goods by an oath. Will you 
perform unto the Lord your vows? '-What is man 
that Thou art mindiiil of him ; or the son of man t hat 
Thou visilists him? Thou hast made him little lower 
than the ar.gels, and hast donned him with glorv and 
power." r, J ^ 

The Constitution of the U. S reads in article 4, ?eo. 
n,— "No person held to service or labor in one State' 
under the laws thereof, esciping iutn another, shall' 
in cousf quence of any law or regulation therein be 
discharged from such service, or labor, but shall bo 
delivered np on c'aim of the party to whom such ser- 
vice or labor may be due " Article 6, sec 4_.'The 
Constitution of the U. S shall be the supreme^w of 
the land ; and the Judges in every State shall ba 
bound ther by, anything in the ConstituMon ot any ' 
State to the contrary notwithstanding " What is the. 
use of Col. Smart's resolves, engrossing so much of 
the time of ttie present Legislature? Isnottledi-' 
vorced husb-ind and wife held by their marriage cove- 
nant, the divorce to the contrary notwithstanding, 
by the Ceustitution of the U. S? i hat seems to be 
the case. ^ ^ "" 

Fortland, March 18, IPfiO 



J. P. Thurston, 



[ For the Advertiser.] 
Truths Well Expres.sed.— In his address at the 
New York Fair, Gov. Wright, of Indiana, made the 
folIo^ving excellent suggestion. They compirse a vol 
ume in a nut-shell : — 

"Wo must cultivate the roots, not the top.s. We must 
make the/amili/ //uvtrnmeiit, the school, the fiu-m, the 
church, the shop, the agricultural fairs, the l.abraitories 
of our future greatness. We must educate our sons to 
be fanners, artizaus, architects, engineers, geologist, 
botanists, chemists,— in a word, practical men. 'ilieir 
eyes must be turned from Washington to their States, 
counties, towiisliips, districts, homes. This is true 
patriotism, and the only patriotism that will perpetual- 
ly preserve the nation." 



xne J>08itioii of the Seceding- SltateH. 

The question is whether the Seceding States continue 
to be .States within the meaning of the Constitution, 
notwithstanding they are armed in rebellion, and wag- 
ing war to overthrow our Government— Declaration of 
Kights. iState con.stitntion of Maine reads Art. 1, Sec 
5 ; Ihe people shall be secure in their persons, houses 
and possessions from all unreasonable searches and 
seizures. j^ec. 1 reads : "all men have certain inaliena- 
ble rights, among which are those of acquiring, poses- 
sing and protecting property, and of obtaining safety 
and happiness." ° ' 

I shoiJld answer the above question in the affirma- 
tive, and to Illustrate my opinion, will t:ike the c.ise of 
a lamily,the sons of whom at the decease of their father 
became rebellions to maternal authority, and compel 
the mother, for her own and for her young children's 
.safety, to yield and give up to the Law (thinking there- 
by she w-ill be protected,) every particle of property 
that has been given to her by her Imsband, or her fath- 
er during her marri.ngt". The law should protect that 
w-Ue and mother m her person and property, as they 
guarantee to do by the constitution. Notwithstanding 
she has given up all her power— her estate, into the 
mna» ol the ^tate Government's Agent, the Judge of 
Irobate. So with the Seceding States, the State Gov- 
ernment, or agents of the people were overpowered by 
the number of rebellious sons. But on suppressing 
that rebellion, the general government should rein- 
state them as in the case of the widow with her rebel- 
lious sons. j p Y 

I'oin-LAXD, March 27, 18(52. " ' ' 

*The husband gives to his wife, not only by his mar- 
riac/e coveneiit and by his writings, but by actual pos- 
sesion, his children, and all of his estate. But the 
Judge of I'robate, although there are no debts, 
sends several men culled appraisers, to search the prem- 
ises, and they take into their ])ossession, all the proper- 
ty; and the chilch-en that have been nurtured to maturi- 
ty, and leave the widow with her little ones to strug- 
gle tor a year or two, until that property becomes well 
reduced, and the widow then finds but one quarter 
ot the original amount is given her, and for her com- 
fort the Judge of I'robate tells her "he wishes every 
widow had as much as she has." J P N 



•The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wis- 
lom. Wisdom is the principle thing, therefore 
get wisdom; and with all thy getting, get understand- 
ing. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this 
is the whole duty of man. Tlie fear of the Lord is to 
hate evil." — I'rov. 8. 

Mr. Editor : — We have a written Constitution of the 
U. States, arid all Legislators and all public oflicers take 
an oath to support tliat constitution, and a ])eualty is 
attached to a violation of that oath, either by legislator 
or any other public officer. — We have also a written 
Constitution of the State of Maine. By reading those 
Coustitutions, we learn that the People" are the .Sover- 
eign lUilers of this Country. Preamble: "We the peo- 
ple of the U. StBtes ill order to forma more perfect 
Ciiion, establish justice, insure domestic tranquiliiy. 
provide for the common defence, promote the general 
welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves 
and our posterity, do ordain and e.stablish this Consti- 
tution of the U. States of America." Sec. 10 reads, "No 
State shall pass a law impairing the obligation of con- 
tracts." Constitution of Maine reads, that "the Legis- 
lature shall pass no law impairing the obligation of con- 
tracts." Article 1st, Sec. 15: "The people may petition 
for redress of their wrongs and grievances." Sic. lU : 
"Kvei-y person for an injury in his person and property 
shall have remedy, and right and justice shall beadmln- 
i.stered freply ana without sale completely, aiid without 
denial, promptly and without delay." Let us exiimine, 
and see wdiether it is the People, or the people's agents, 
(the . I udiclary committee) that are the Soverejgu Kul- 
ers of the State of Elaine. 

We carried to the Legislature of Maine last January, 
tuH) petitions, one signed for myself and minor child- 
ren, (as their Guaridan,) for iiidemnitication for the 
acts of the Judge of I'l-obate. This petition was brought 
up in House and referre-f to the Judiciary committee, 
and after an investigation of the case, and the facts be 
ing so stubborn against the Judge, and several of that 
coniniiitee being his near relatives, and the committee 
being lawyers, tfiey requested to have the petition re- 
ferred to the committee on Claiins. And the ( Iiainnan 
of the .ludiciary Cimimittee gave us his word of honor, 
that he would "bring the subject before the Senate, and 
have it referred to the committee on Claims. But tlid 
not refer it to that committee, or bring it before the 
Senate. The second petition winch we presented was 
signed by many excellent people of Portland and vicin- 
ity. That petition was for the Legislature to remove 



from the Statute Books an unconstitutional law, viz : 
the law of "dower." In other words, the petition to 
the Legislature was, to "make the law of tlie .state of 
JIaiue to conform to the man-iage contract," viz : "with 
tlie ring I wed thee and with all my worldly goods I 
emloir thee.'' The husband to "love, cherish and pro- 
tect," until death his wife ; and the wife to "love, hon- 
or and obey, until death, Iter husband." That petition 
was brought up in the Senate and also referred to the 
Judiciary committee. The next we hear from the Leg- 
islature is, tlie Judiciary committee give the petition- 
ers leave to withdraw tlieir petitions. In viohition of 
their oath to support the Constitution of the U. S., the 
Judiciary committee keep on their Statute books, an 
unconstitutional lawa law that is a violation of the con- 
stitution of the U. States, and a violation of the consti- 
tution of .Maine, a law which impairs and destroys the 
most important of all contracts — viz : the marriage con- 
tract. And the Senator that presented to the Senate 
tliat petition, refusek to advocate its passage, und ex- 
erted his utmost powers to pass resolves on jSTational 
all'airs that were unconstituaional and therefore void, 
and useless. Is their power enough in the officers of 
Justice to brinn up the agents t)r servants of the people, 
who liave violated theu' oath to support the constitu- 
tion of the U. Spates ? The constitution of the United 
States is the Anchor thai holds the Ship of State, and 
the Bible is the C/iart and Compass, by which the Ship 
will be enabled to outride the storm. Let the officers 
of Justice bring up and punish every person that vio- 
lates the oath to support the constitution of the United 
State.s-. Or else open all the prison doors, add shut up 
all our Court rooms, and call the government of the 
people an entire failure. If the people's agents or ser- 
vants can violate the highest laws with impunity, and a 
standard is not set up, "how lang ere anarchy will take 
the place of order i 

If there was ever a time when the philantlirophist, 
the man of integrity, the man of wisdom, the lover of 
law and order, was ever called upon, to lay aside, every 
selfish motive, and to support and protect the laws of 
his country, to establish justice, and to secure tranquil- 
ity, provide for the common defence, &c., it is at tlie 
present time. When rivers of the blood of our own 
icountrynien is being shed, how can we fail to see tlie 
importance of obeying implicitly, the law of t!ie consti- 
tution of the U. States. For tlie Lord's sake and for 
humanity's sake, obey — obey — obey implicitly the law, 
the highest law of our beloved country — the Constitu- 
tion ot tlie United States of America. J. J^. X. 
Portland, March 22, 1802. 

What a strange infatuation has seized the'wise men 
men of the Legislature to persist in keeping on our 
Statute Books, laws wiiich are void, (being in violation 
of the constitution of tlie U. States) — laws that pervert 
the holy covenant of marriage into legalized seduction 
— laws that make sla^'es t)f tUeir own wives and daugh- 
ters. Kead their resolves to Senators and Kepreseuta- 
tives of the U. S. to emancipate the cotore(/ slaves of the 
district of Columbia. "Ever as man in wisdom grows 
I he honors her (woman) the more." What would our 
'departed mothers of revolutionary times say, could they 
know the present state of the laws, with regard to their 
daughters. What wise Legislators ? To make slaves 
of their own mothers, to whom they owe their very ex- 
istence, and by whom they have been nurtered up to 
manhood. 

"Love I ay. love ! 'tis the hope of the world, 
Love ! ay, love I 'tis the lampligiit of life. 
Still guiding our feet o'er the dark rugged way. 
Ask the mother, tiie husband, the sister, the wife. 
Shall we blot from existance and "love not" again, 
Huusli I hear the quick answer, "ye 'U crush out my 

life 
If tliis be oh God, all existance in vain I" 



;9Sg=- This letter to His Excellency Gov. Washburn 
was read in the Senate, and the Hon. J. A. Peters said 
if we returned to Portland he would use his influence 
to have an indemnification and would write concerning 
it. Here is his promised letter : 

AuousT.4, March 19, 1802. 

Mrs. Thurston :— The Legislature refused to do any- 
thing. Call on Mr. Vinton. 

Yours truly, J. A. Peters. 

Portland, March 10, ]8(;2. 
To His Excellency the Hon. Governor and Council of 

tlie State of Maine. 

Gentlemen :— I learn by the Hon. Mr. McLellan, 
representative from this city and the county of CUiin- 
berland, to the State Legislature, that my petition for 
indemnity for the acts of the Judge of I'roiati* 
<whicli had been referred by the House of Kepresenta- 
tives to the Judi( iary Committee, and which by their 
request and promise to me, they would refer to the 
Committee on Claims, alleging as the reason for so do- 
ing that three or four of tlie Judiciary Committee were 
near relatives of the Judge of Probate, and the com- 



mittee being composed ot lawyers had a prejudice, and 
inquired of me if a committee on Claims composed of 
farmers, &c., would not suit me as well. Mr. Granger, 
Chairman pro tem (in the absence of the chairman, Jlr- 
Vinton) gave me his vord of honor before I left Au- 
gusta, that he would bring lip the petition and have it 
referred to tlie committee on Claims) * the Judiciary 
\ Committee had reporti'd leave for me to withdraw. If 
I am compelled to withdraw without an investigation \ 
and idemnitv of the Legislature, by the Kevised Statutes 
of Maine, which are now before me, I learn that I can 
have the Judge of Probate impeached for high misde- 
meanor. He has taken the oath of the Constitution of 
the United States, "which is the supreme law of the 
land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound 
thereby, any thing in the constitution or laws of any 
State to the contrary notwithstanding." Art. (i— Con- 
stitution of the United State. See Constitution. "No_ 
State shall pass a law impairing the obligation of 
Contracts. 

Tlie Judge of Probate has taken my property, and 
scattered it, not heeding my husband's marriage con- 
tract— "with all my worldly goods I thee endow," or 
"here, wife, I give you all, let us draw together and 
save sometliing for our old age." Neither has the 
Judge of Probate listened to my thrice repeated peti- 
\ tions, and written statements and protestations, that 
my husband gave me full possession of children and 
property, and gave him proof in letters of myjhusbaud, 
which he read. And when I told the Judge that the 
Administrator, in settling the two barques' accounts, 
one of which he wasjship" agent, and part owner of the 
two barques — that he had placed no accounts of their 
two voyages each, or freigiit, insurance, on the inven- 
tory; and that I paid council $rO or more to obtain 
city scrip, money, &c., that the administrator, and(3Ir. 
Daniel Fessenden, Clerk of Court) who when he took 
the in^'entory took away with them to inquire its value, 
and who afterwards cut ott' a coupon had "omitted on 
the inventory," as administrator's first account states, 
"City Scrip $1000, Money $300." 

The Judge told me he "did not care, that the admin- 
istrator did not get more than enough to pay him for 
his trouble:" I told the Judge that his honor had al- 
lowed the administrator .3-5 pr. ct. commissions to set- 
tle the barques' accounts to suit himself, amounting to 
$242— that he had never called for, or liad my husband's 
account books— that after I notified him that I would 
leave the .settlenient of the barques' accounts to refer- 
ees, he sent to Capt. Keazer (one of the appraisers and, 
professed//-j"e«rf of my husbaiid's)who took the accounts 
as I had dra\vn them from the books to examine for 
me before leaving them out to referees , as Judge Shepley 
had told me to notify the administrator I should do, 
which notification I had sent to the administrator. 

He sent and requested to look at my accounts, and 
asked Capt. Keazer to allow him to take the account 
without the contra account, promising to return it, 
which he did not do, and refused to return to him. I 
sent word to the Judge of Probate, that the adminis- 
trator could not settle the accounts, as he had never 
called for the books. The Judge would not heed a 
word from my counsellor, or a message from me. Mr. 
Fessenden vvhile taking the inventory, asked me if I 
did not claim thfe piano, said he, did not your husband 
tell you if you did without help, you could have the 
money to buy the piano i I ans'wered no ; my husband 
was absent at sea the entu-e year that I bought it. He 
told me to keep help, as I had a sick child, but I did not 
keep help or purchase any wearing apparal for myself 
during the year. My husband gave me the trunk and 
contents, I added. But Mr. Trask, the administrator, 
tells me I am an agent for my husband, do you not ? — 
He nodded yes. Said I, Judge Shepley told me yester- 
day to render to the apprisers everything my husband 
had, or had given to me, and make a written statement 
to the Judge of Probate which I did. With an account 
of what personal estate I had possessed during mar- 
riage from my fiither's estate. I wrote the whole 
statement and took it to Judge Shepley, and he pro- 
nounced it good, and then I gave it to the Judge of 
Probate, with a petition to his Honor to make an al- 
lowance for the young children — one an invalid — my 
own account was .$000. The Judge allowed me $S00; 
one third of this $siM came from my thirds, which left 
mc; $53i for my $000, and nothing for the young chil- 
dren. After the account of the administrator 
of the city scrip being one thcusand more \thnH on the 
inventory, the .Judge allowed me a percentage which 
amounted to $loi; together with the above allowance 
of $534 made $088. Your Excellency will see by my 
treatment the meaning of Daniel Fessenden, Esq.'s 
words to me while tempting me to claim the piano, 
which were, "If you take Judge Shepley's advice you 
must take the consequences ;" and those words were 
uttered after I stated to him that I had been informed 
by Mr. Trask that I wag an agent of my husband. 

AVill your Excellency take such action on my peti- 
tion-for indemnity and",impeacliraeiit, as the case re- 
quires. 

Truly Your Obedient Servant. 

JANE P. THUIISTUN. 



Special Notice. 

The eommnnication \n the Advertiser of the 2d 
ln<>t., over the eiguature of Jane P. ThnrBton, was 
paid [ten dollara $10] for as an advertisement. 

''But we should not have printed it, had we been 
aware of its contents."— ^dtier/j'ser. 

The editor was aware of ita contents, as we made a 
verr^al statement of It more fully to him, and chal- 
lenged contradiction from the parties implicated, by 
giving the editor two names of disttngaiebed persona 
as proof of the statement. We publiehed it that the 
people might know how their tsta.es were adminis* 
tered on. The editor will pie ise refund the $10 to this 
office. As he made no comments on my commnnica* 
tlon of the let insl. ,he is entitled to that $4. 

Portland, April 4, 1862. JANE P. THURSTON". 



Every lover of union and barmony, will be 
gratiSeJ to itarn that petitions are now pendiug 
before the Legiaiataro to niake the law cuuformto 
the marriage contract, and which will utidoubte'l- 
ly be paesed at the present term. The prteent 
liiw is a vielatiou of the law of God, which sr.ys, 
"What Gcd hath joined togttVier, let no man put 
asunder," for it makes void the marriage cou- 
tr«ct. The present Uw is also a viclatioa of the 
hijRhPSt law of our land, viz : the Constitution of 
the United States, which reads in sejtion Ist, ar- 
ticle h, 'that no State pass a law impairiai; 
the obligation of contract?." 

Let the Stsr arise in the Eist, which shall en- 
lighten the nation and proclaioi peace and good 
will on earth. A oa'ion's gratitude was due the 
Mother of WijshingtoQ, for rearing him to be the 
Father and Sivior of hie Country Let the saoae 
be said ot the Mnthers of the present Legislators 
of Maine, who will pass this law, which wdlsav 
the nation. Who that desires to keep a popular 
Government, does not see the uect-seily of preserv- 
ing family Government? J. P. T. 

rortlaod, Feb. 16, 18(32. 



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